100 YEARS OF IMPACT

In 2021, the Society for Science is celebrating 100 years of championing science. Founded in 1921 as Science Service by journalist Edward W. Scripps and zoologist William Ritter, the Society communicates, fosters and advances the public understanding of science. In its first century of service, the organization published accurate, objective journalism in its Science News magazine, advised government agencies, cultivated the nation’s top science talent and ignited a passion for science in generations of students.

As the Society for Science looks forward to a bright future, it draws inspiration from the past 100 years. This timeline — featuring historic photographs, founding documents, trailblazing news coverage and more — explores a century of award-winning science journalism, world-class science research competitions and STEM equity and outreach.