Panel on Public Affairs

The Panel on Public Affairs (POPA) consists of a Chair, Chair-Elect, Vice Chair, immediate Past Chair, the Vice President, the Chair of the Physics Policy Committee (PPC), the Congressional Fellow(s) in the second year following the year of service, fourteen (14) members elected by Council to staggered three (3) year terms, and (1) member elected by the Forum on Physics and Society to a three (3) year term. The candidates for election as members of POPA are selected by the Nominating Committee. The Vice Chair is elected by Council and serves in that office for one (1) year, then as Chair-Elect for one (1) year, then as Chair for one (1) year, and then as Immediate Past Chair for one (1) year. A POPA Steering Committee consisting of the Chair, the Chair-Elect, the Vice Chair, the Vice President, the PPC Chair, and at least two (2) additional members selected from among and by the members of POPA.

POPA is responsible for making recommendations to the President, the Board, and the Council on public affairs activities of the Society that have been designated by the Board or Council. POPA may initiate new public affairs activities for the Society and may recommend new programs to the Council. POPA shall keep minutes and distribute them to POPA members and to the Council and Board.

The Board may create, and the Board and the Council shall have joint oversight over, committees having responsibilities relating to both the general operations of the Society and scientific matters. Such committees may include a Physics Policy Committee, a Panel on Public Affairs, and a Committee on Scientific Publications. The makeup and responsibilities of such committees shall be set forth in the Policies and Procedures established by the Board.