Building the Future of Scientific Leadership: Ari Jain's Story Brings AIP Research to Life
The future of science depends not only on discovery, but also on leadership. Scientific societies play a vital role in connecting researchers, fostering collaboration, and strengthening scientific communities. Yet AIP’s research found that many early-career scientists face barriers to participating in leadership roles within these organizations.
Through examining pathways to leadership in scientific societies, AIP research identified several factors that help emerging scientists become engaged leaders: early exposure to professional communities, strong mentorship, meaningful opportunities to contribute, and a sense of belonging.
Ari’ Jain’s story mirrors what we heard time and again in AIP’s research. Many of the early-career society leaders we interviewed first encountered their professional society as undergraduates, finding opportunities for growth, and community that inspired them to get involved long before they entered the workforce.
Today, Ari serves in volunteer leadership roles with the American Physical Society (APS), helping support students and advocate for graduate researchers. His journey reflects many of the pathways AIP’s research identified as critical to developing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Early Engagement Opens Doors
One of the strongest findings from AIP’s research is the importance of early engagement.
For Ari, that opportunity came when he attended a scientific conference as an undergraduate. At the time, he assumed there was only one path for someone pursuing a Ph.D.
“I thought if you got a Ph.D., you were going to be an academic,” he recalls.
Instead, the conference introduced him to scientists working in industry, national laboratories, and a wide range of careers he had never considered.
“That conference is the reason I’m doing a Ph.D. right now,” he says. “It opened my eyes to all the different opportunities available.”
Experiences like these demonstrate why AIP’s research recommends creating opportunities for students and early-career scientists to engage with professional societies early in their careers. Those experiences often become the foundation for future leadership.
Mentorship and Meaningful Opportunities
AIP’s research also highlights mentorship and active participation as critical factors in developing future leaders. The study found that when early-career scientists are invited to contribute, volunteer, and serve, they are more likely to stay engaged and grow into leadership roles.
Ari credits his advisor, Dr. Adam Steinberg at Georgia Tech, with supporting both his scientific development and his volunteer leadership within APS.
“He has never once said that I can’t do something because it takes bandwidth away from my research,” Ari says. “We’re on the same page that my professional development and growth through these volunteer and leadership roles is just as much a part of my Ph.Dd program as the research itself.”
For many scientists, mentors provide the encouragement and connections that open the door to professional societies.
Why Early-Career Voices Matter
Another key finding from AIP’s research is the importance of creating pathways for early-career scientists to help shape the future of scientific societies.
“The biggest thing early-career scientists bring is proximity,” Ari says. “We’re experiencing many of these challenges in real time.”
Their perspectives help organizations remain responsive to the needs of today’s scientific workforce while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
AIP’s research also found that community plays a powerful role in sustaining engagement. Through APS, Ari found mentors, collaborators, and peers who continue to shape his career and life.
That sense of connection inspired him to give back.
“The biggest reason I wanted to participate was impact,” he says. “Being able to impact society members right here, right now is something I can directly see.”
Investing in the Next Generation of Physical Scientists
Ari’s journey demonstrates what can happen when the recommendations from AIP’s research are put into practice. A student who once attended a conference seeking direction is now helping create opportunities for others.
Stories like Ari’s show why AIP’s research matters. By identifying barriers to leadership and providing evidence-based recommendations to scientific societies, AIP is helping create stronger pathways for emerging scientists to engage, contribute, and lead, so we can strengthen the future of the physical sciences community.
As AIP’s research shows, investing in these future scientific leaders is ultimately an investment in the future of science itself.
