Abbreviations and Acronyms List

See also our glossary of terms. A comprehensive listings of all disciplinary societies, including those outside of science and engineering can be found at:

AAAS
American Association for the Advancement of Science Founded in 1848, AAAS is a non-profit professional society. Their mission is to "[further the work of scientists, facilitate cooperation among them, foster scientific freedom and responsibility, improve the effectiveness of science in the promotion of human welfare, advance education in science, and increase the publics understanding and appreciation of the promise of scientific methods in human progress." Membership is open to all.
AAES
American Association of Engineering Societies is an association of various engineering societies. It works to coordinate information and activities among these societies, and represents the interests of the engineering community to the government, to the general public, and to the media.
AAM
American Academy of Microbiology The American Academy of Microbiology is composed of distinguished scientists who have been recognized for excellence in microbiology. It is an elite group within the American Society of Microbiology (ASM).
AAUP
American Association of University Professors is concerned with academic freedom, tenure, and professional responsibility. Its codes and policies are compiled in what is known as the "Redbook."
AAUW
American Association of University Women is a national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. The AAUW is composed of three corporations: the Association, a 150,000-member organization with more than 1,600 branches nationwide that lobbies and advocates for education and equity; the AAUW Educational Foundation, which funds research on girls and education, community action projects, and fellowships and grants for outstanding women around the globe; and the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund, which provides funds and a support system for women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination in higher education.
ABA
American Bar Association The ABA is a voluntary professional organization. As the national organization of the legal profession, it initiates programs for public concerns, sets up guidelines and model rules, and represents both its members and the public in legal concerns.
ABET
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET is an organization that sets standards for accreditation of engineering and technology degree programs. It has other engineering societies as members. ABET has a general code of ethics for engineers. PE-(Professional Engineer) A professional engineer is one who has been licensed to offer services directly to the public. Requirements vary by state, but in general a licensed engineer must have graduated from an engineering program accredited by the ABET, passed rigorous exams, and gained experience working under a PE.
ACEC
American Council of Engineering Companies provides the executives of private engineering firms with the tools and educational opportunities to be better business owners and managers. ACEC also presents a cohesive voice for the profession in national legislative and policy debates to help ensure that firms can compete fairly in an increasingly aggressive world market.
ACM
Association of Computer Machinery Founded in 1947, the ACM is an international organization dedicated to furthering and applying information technology. In the form of chapters and special interest groups, they aim to foster sharing of information and promotion of professional and ethical standards.
ACRS
Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards A component of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ACS
American Chemical Society The ACS is an organization of chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians in industry and academia at all degree levels. They seek to foster communication among members and with the government, to promote the publics perceptions and understanding of chemistry, and to assist the government with advice in the area of chemical sciences to further research and improve safety.
AEC
Atomic Energy Commission A civilian agency of the United States government established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 to administer and regulate the production and use of atomic power. The AEC succeeded the so-called Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb during World War II. Among the major programs of the new commission were production of fissionable materials; accident prevention; research in biology, health, and metallurgy and production of electric power from the atom; studies in the production of nuclear aircraft; and the declassification of data on atomic energy.
AFFI
Association Francaise des Femmes Ingenieurs Founded 29 years ago by the Amicales des Femmes Ingenieurs (AFI), this organization's objective is to bring together professional women in engineering to perform their roles as engineers in their workplaces, and to introduce their professions to younger women in European countries and other Francophile countries.
AIBS
American Institute of Biological Sciences Non-profit scientific organization created in 1947. Facilitates communication among biologists and biological societies. Offers information about research, education and public policy issues
AIChE
American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE strives to further the development and practice of chemical engineering by increasing communication among chemical engineers, representing the discipline to the public, upholding high standards and ethics, and supporting education. Membership status is dependent on the member's professional level.
AIEE
American Institute of Electrical Engineers Founded in 1884, the AIEE merged with the Institute of Radio Engineers in 1963 to form the IEEE.
AIME
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers The AIME was founded in 1871 by mining engineers. It has since grown into today's organization, with its goals of advancing the knowledge, production, and use of minerals, metal, materials, and energy resources, and to disseminate this information.
AMS
American Mathematical Society The AMS promotes mathematical research, increases awareness of the public to the benefits of math, and works toward excellence in mathematics education. Additionally, the AMS is a major publisher for mathematics.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute ANSI is a privately funded organization that works to develop voluntary national consensus standards. Its members are in both public and private sectors. They appeal to businesses, offering leadership in "strategic standardization activities." ANSI provides a forum for peers and competitors.
APA
American Philosophical Association is the principal disciplinary society for philosophers in the United States and Canada. American Psychological Association is the is the principal disciplinary society for psychologists and is active in the areas of clinical ethics and research ethics.
APEO
Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario The APEO is the professional organization for engineers in the province of Ontario, Canada and has its own code of ethics.
APES
Association of Professional Engineers of the Province of Saskatchewan The APES is the professional organization for engineers in Saskatchewan, Canada and has its own code of ethics.
APS
American Physical Society The APS is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of the knowledge of physics. They are concerned with education, international affairs, public affairs, and public information. They publish leading physics research journals.
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers The ASCE is a national professional organization which seeks to help the advancement of civil engineers and the profession though education. They provide opportunities for communication among members, and career enhancement. The ASCE seeks to improve safety and represent civil engineering to the government.
ASEE
American Society for Engineering Education The ASEE is a non-profit organization which seeks to improve all aspects of engineering education through conferences, publications, projects, divisions, councils, and more.
ASHG
American Society of Human Genetics A member of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, FASEB. ASHG offers, among other publications, statements and public policy papers on topics as diverse as informed consent for genetics research, privacy issues, recommendations for oversight on genetic testing, responses to draft policies on research such as a policy involving human pluripotent stem cells, and eugenics and misuse of genetic information to restrict reproductive freedom.
ASM
American Society for Microbiology The ASM is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world. The ASM is comprised of five boards - Education and Training, Meetings, Membership, Public and Scientific Affairs, and Publications, plus the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM).
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME International is an international non-profit organization. ASME seeks to further development of new technologies, to remain safety conscious, and to improve the general "technical well-being" of the world. These goals are accomplished through publications, conferences, codes and standards, relations with the government, and general information.
AWSEM
Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
BER
Board of Ethical Review is a component of the NSPE
CRE
Centre for Research Ethics was established by The Royal Society of Arts and Sciences in Gothenburg. The CRE is a non-profit organization with the objectives of performing research in the area of research ethics, and offering training and courses in ethics. The CRE is located in Sweden.
CSFR
Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility is a Committee of the AAAS.
CSPE
California Society of Professional Engineers The CSPE is a state affiliate of the NSPE.
CU
Consumers Union The Consumers Union is an organization that tests consumer goods and services, and publishes its results in "The Consumer's Report".
EAC
Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
ECPD
Engineers' Council for Professional Development (now ABET)
ECSEL
Engineering Coalition of Schools for Excellence in Education and Leadership Formed in 1990, ECSEL is a coalition of seven schools dedicated to improving the undergraduate engineering education curriculum and to increasing the diversity of engineering graduates.
EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The EEOC was established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and began operating on July 2, 1965. EEOC coordinates all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency Established in 1970, the EPA is an independent agency in the Executive Branch of the United States government. It is responsible for executing Federal laws that protect the environment.
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration The FAA is a component of the Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the nation's air traffic control system, for certification of aircraft, airports, and those who work in them, and for rules and enforcement. They are extremely concerned with civil aviation security.
FAS
Federation of American Scientists The FAS is a non-profit policy organization that conducts analysis and advocacy on science, technology, and public policy. The influence the government in the public interest through direct lobbying, projects, and expert testimony in congressional hearings. Originally founded by the makers of the first atomic bomb, much of the FAS's work has been in nuclear arms control and disarmament.
FASEB
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology FASEB is coalition of independen societies that specialize in biomedical and life sciences. It promotes research for the benefit of humankind. Of special interest is the website maintained by FASEB's Office of Public Affairs.
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission The FERC is an independent regulatory agency in the Department of Energy. The FERC regulates the transmission of energy in interstate commerce, oversees hydroelectric projects, and is concerned with related environmental matters.
HHS
Department of Health and Human Services The HHS is a governmental agency designed to protect the public health, and to provide services for those in need. These services include medical research, elderly care, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and food and drug safety, among others.
HAES
Haitian Associations of Engineers and Scientists Also known in French as Associations d'Ingenieurs et de Scientistes Haitiens, HAES is a non-profit organization that is made of a dynamic group of professionals and students versed in a scientific or technical field. Their goal is to put their knowledge and resources to a very positive usage: to develop a network of professionals devoted to Engineering, Science, and Technology, and to promote opportunities for Haitians in the community in which they reside.
IEAust
The Institution of Engineers, Australia. Code of Ethics. The Institution of Engineers, Australia was founded in 1919 and set up by Royal Charter in 1938. The work of the Institution covers all aspects of the professional and technical fields of engineering. The membership of the Institution comprises professional engineers, engineering technologists, and engineering associates engaged in all areas of engineering activity, as well as students preparing for such careers.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers The IEEE is the world's largest professional society. It is a non-profit organization that promote the development and use of electrical and electronic technology and related sciences in the interests of the general public, the engineering profession, and their members.
IOM
Institute of Medicine The IOM is a component of the National Academy of Science, responsible for the examination of policy concerning public health. It is both an advisor to the government, and identifies relevant issues on its own. Membership is by election.
ISA
Instrument Society for Measurement and Control (formerly called the Instrument Society of America) is the world's foremost industry organization representing the interests of quality, safety, and productivity of measurement and control systems and equipment. ISA standards are the final words for instrument and control professionals. Using ISA standards is vital for maintaining safety and quality, documenting work procedures for ISO certification or OSHA compliance, ensuring clear communications between vendors and buyers, and auditing safety systems. ISA standards cover these important subjects: symbols and diagrams, specification sheets, electrical safety in hazardous locations, fieldbus, control valve dimensions and tests, environmental conditions for M & C; systems, fossil fuel power plant controls, and much more.
NAE
National Academy of Engineering The NAE was established by the National Academy of Science as a parallel institution of accomplished engineers. The NAE advises the government, sponsors programs, promotes education and research, and recognizes achievements.
NAS
National Academy of Sciences The NAS is a private non-profit society of accomplished scholars of science and engineering. The NAS is dedicated to the promotion of science and technology and its applications for the benefit of the general public welfare. The NAS has a mandate to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. The members are elected.
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA was created by Congress in 1958 to "conduct aeronautical and space 'activities', create a science program using aeronautical and space vehicles, and inform the public as widely as possible about agency activities and their benefits.
NCEES
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying The NCEES is comprised of 70 Member Boards from 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Member Boards are the Boards of Registration of Professional Engineering and/or Professional Land Surveying of the US and its territories.
NEH
National Endowment for the Humanities The NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, and public programs in the humanities.
NIEE
National Institute for Engineering Ethics NIEE was created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in July 1988 and remained within NSPE until July 1996, at which time NIEE became an independent not-for-profit educational corporation. The mission of NIEE is "to provide opportunities for ethics education and to promote the understanding and application of ethical processes within the engineering profession and with the public."
NIH
National Institutes of Health The NIH is a biomedical research center. Under the Public Health Services, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH supports its own research, provides grants for non-Federal scientists, supports training of researchers, and promotes communication of biomedical information.
NIST
National Institute for Standards and TechnologyThe National Institute of Standards and Technology conducts and supports scientific and engineering research in disciplines ranging from chemistry and physics to information technology. In carrying out this research, NIST works collaboratively with colleagues in industry, academia, and government. Research tools developed at NIST--including measurement methods, standards, data, and various technologies--assist industrial, academic, and government scientists worldwide.
NRC
National Research Council andNuclear Regulatory Commission The National Research Council is the principal operating agency of both the NAE and the NAS in servicing the government, scientists and engineers, and the public. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is concerned that uses of nuclear energy do not endanger public health and safety. They regulate commercial, industrial,academic, and medical uses of nuclear energy.
NSF
National Science Foundation The NSF is an independent agency of the Federal Government. The NSF's mission is to "promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense." They foster communication, award grants, initiate and support scientific and engineering activities and research, and encourage governmental support of such activities. The members are appointed by the president with consent of the Senate.
NSBE
National Society of Black Engineers The NSBE is dedicated to increasing the number of Black engineers by education, public awareness, and programs at national, regional, and chapter levels.
NSPE
National Society of Professional Engineers The NSPE is an engineering society that represents licensed professional engineers across all disciplines. They seek to promote standards of ethics among engineers. They facilitate communication among members and are concerned with the safety and welfare of the public.
OIQ
L'Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec (OIQ). The OIQ is a professional organization for engineers in QuÈbec, Canada and has its own code of ethics.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA is concerned with the health and safety of American workers. OSHA establishes and enforces standards and assists in sharing good practices. Information on contacting OSHA.
SAE
Society of Automotive Engineers
SHPE
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers The SHPE is a non-profit organization which aims to increase the participation of Hispanics in the fields of engineering and science. This is accomplished through education, outreach programs, networking, and promoting their recognition.
SSIT
Society on Social Implication of Technology is a society of IEEE.
SWE
Society of Women Engineers The SWE is dedicated to encourage women to reach their full potential as leaders and engineers, and encourage others in the field to appreciate the value of diversity.
TI
Texas Instruments is the world leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet age. TI is a leader in the real-time technologies that help people communicate. We are moving fast to drive the Internet age forward with semiconductor solutions for large markets such as wireless and broadband access and for new emerging markets such as digital cameras and digital audio.
USAB
United States Activities Board is a component of the IEEE.
WISE See AWSEM.
See Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
WITI
Women in Technology International WITI is an organization dedicated to improving the status of women in technical fields. WITI wants women to realize their full leadership potential without special consideration as women.
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