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
AASF is deeply committed to giving back to the community. We strive to broaden access to education, highlight and preserve the historical contributions of Asian American scholars, and cultivate the next generation of leaders through mentorship and support. Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen our community, uplift future talent, and ensure that Asian American voices and achievements are recognized and celebrated.
History
The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) was founded in early 2021 during a period of heightened challenges for the Asian American community in the United States. Anti-Asian hate crimes surged and Asian American scientists and scholars faced increased scrutiny and unjust targeting. Recognizing the need to support Asian American scholars and raise public awareness of these issues, a group of fifteen prominent Asian American scientists came together to launch a webinar series in February 2021. They formally established AASF as a nonprofit organization in April 2021, dedicated to advocating for the rights, representation, and well-being of Asian American scholars and the broader community.
In its early days, AASF members envisioned 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.