Mission & Values
Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting belonging, freedom, and equality for all. We are guided by our commitment to the following values:
- Promoting academic freedom and a healthy intellectual environment
- Advocating justice and fairness
- Empowering truth-seeking, communication, and mutual understanding
- Advancing the public good to humanity
History
The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) was founded in early 2021 during a period of intense challenges for the Asian American community in the United States. Anti-Asian hate crimes surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with inflammatory and racist rhetoric fueling widespread violence. Heinous incidents, including the Atlanta spa shooting and numerous assaults in major cities, drove anti-Asian violence to historic levels. Amid this climate, Asian American scientists had also faced increased scrutiny and unwarranted targeting.
In January 2021, following the arrest of Professor Gang Chen, a renowned mechanical engineering professor and nanotechnologist at MIT, on baseless allegations of federal grant fraud tied to routine academic work, fifteen prominent Asian American scientists recognized the urgent need to educate both the Asian American scholar community and the broader public on these critical issues. This group launched a webinar series in February and formally established AASF as a nonprofit organization in April, dedicated to advocating for the rights and recognition of Asian American scholars and the larger Asian American community.
In its early days, AASF members devoted countless hours to envisioning a permanent organization that would uplift the contributions of Asian Americans, inform policymakers and the public on the history, issues, and unfair biases faced by Asian Americans, foster partnerships with federal agencies, media, and civil rights organizations, and cultivate future leaders who would carry forward AASF’s values and contributions. Together, they aimed to create a better future for the Asian American community.
Today, AASF is the leading organization dedicated to advancing Asian American contributions in science,engineering, technology, and medicine. Serving as the national voice for the Asian American scholar community, AASF actively engages with federal and congressional leaders on key issues. The organization now includes over 100 distinguished fellows, many of whom are esteemed scientists and technologists, with over a third holding memberships in national academies or having served in prominent leadership roles, including presidents, provosts, deans, department chairs, and institute directors. We welcome all U.S.-based professionals who share our commitment to belonging and fairness to join AASF as members, building a better environment for the entire community today and fostering a stronger foundation for future generations tomorrow.