AEESP Issues Statement in Support of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Environmental Protection

The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) has released a public statement emphasizing the importance of higher education, scientific research, and environmental protection. The statement coincides with the 2025 AEESP Research and Education Conference, held May 20–22 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

The conference theme is "Information and Engineering for the Public Sector" and brings professionals from academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Conference sessions and workshops address the role of education, research, and policy in supporting public health through clean water, air, food, and communities.

In the statement, AEESP highlights over 50 years of contributions by environmental engineers and scientists to public health through the development of technologies and policies that support clean air and water, food safety, and pollution control. The statement outlines concerns related to actions affecting academic institutions, federal research agencies, and environmental regulation.

AEESP notes that the work of environmental engineers and scientists is guided by a professional code of ethics and calls attention to the potential consequences of limiting access to education and research opportunities. The organization encourages readers to share the statement and engage with their communities and elected representatives.

The full statement, with over 230 signatories from universities and research institutions, is available here.

More information about AEESP and the 2025 conference is available at https://aeesp.org and https://aeesp2025.duke.edu.