Aaron F. Mertz

Aaron F. Mertz, Ph.D., is a biophysicist and science executive who serves as executive director of the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program. Since founding the program, Mertz has led initiatives that connect science, policy, and public engagement, including executive producing the documentary series "INFODEMIC: Global Conversations on Science and Misinformation" and chairing the Aspen Global Congress on Scientific Thinking & Action, which convenes participants from more than 50 countries. Mertz has also overseen the creation of reports and youth initiatives such as "Our Future Is Science," recognized as a Falling Walls Engage Winner for Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement.

Mertz's expertise includes laboratory research, science policy, and advocacy for underrepresented groups in STEM. His scholarly work has been published in journals including Nature, Science, and Cell, and he has held fellowships at Rockefeller University, Yale University, and the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, reflecting his involvement at the intersection of science and global policy. Mertz founded PRISM (People at Rockefeller Identifying as Sexual/Gender Minorities) to foster community for LGBTQ+ scientists and serves as the sole male member on the board and Vice President of WISeR (Women in Science at Rockefeller).

Mertz is a public speaker who convenes events on topics such as COVID vaccines and climate change and works to foster public trust in science through dialogue and programming. His career focuses on advancing scientific literacy, promoting diversity in science, and ensuring that scientific progress serves the public good.