AOS 2023 Annual Report: Supporting Science; Supporting Scientists

We are proud to share the American Ornithological Society’s (AOS’s) 2023 Annual Report with you. An annual report gives us the opportunity to explore and celebrate our mission: how we connect ornithologists, science, and bird conservation by supporting impactful science, building community, and providing key resources to our members. In February, we shared the AOS’s new strategic plan, a pivotal document developed with your input, that charts a path for our professional society’s future. Our 2023 Annual Report highlights the programs, commitments, and accomplishments we will continue to build upon to ensure that strong future.

This past year was truly momentous for the AOS. Did you know that in 2023:

• AOS’s two journals held the top four rankings among ornithology journals? See page 8 to learn about how we achieved this unusual feat!
• AOS supported one-quarter of our conference attendees with travel and participation grants, and a total of 813 participants from 39 countries attended our meeting in London, Ontario, in August 2023. Learn more about the success of our Annual Meeting on pages 6–7.
• AOS provided $185,395 of research grants, a 38% increase over 2022 grant funding! In addition to general student and post-doctoral research support and larger Kessel fellowships, the AOS piloted a new Latin American and Caribbean Conservation Research Grants program to support research on avian species of concern across the full annual cycle. Learn more about our expanding research grant program on pages 10–11.
• AOS introduced a new Conservation Practitioner Award in 2023 to recognize excellence in conservation planning or on-the-ground avian conservation work. Learn more about our inaugural awardee on page 9.
• AOS strengthened our commitment to better engage and serve ornithologists from all different backgrounds, geographics, and identities. This includes a commitment to create supportive affinity groups for ornithologists across three professional societies, and a commitment to change the English-language names of birds within the AOS’s geographic jurisdiction that are named directly after people, along with other names deemed offensive and exclusionary. Read more about these important commitments on page 5.

These significant accomplishments towards our mission were achieved through the dedication and diligent efforts of our volunteers, editors, staff, and leadership. Thank you for being a part of the AOS!