- Comprised of the six elected Trustees whose purpose is to determine the annual recipients of the AVS National Awards (professional and students) and Fellows.
- Consider the development of new awards and related policies.
Awards Committee
Chapters, Divisions, and Groups Committee
- Serves as the liaison between the Board and all chapters, divisions, & tech groups.
- Advises CD&Gs on policies and procedures, meetings and activities, by-law issues, financial practices, organizational structure, website development.
- All chapter, division, and group representatives are encouraged to participate in quarterly Zooms, which are led by the CD&G Chairs to keep them informed, maintain open lines of communication, and promote networking opportunities.
- Student Chapters: function within the purview of CD&G and their goal is to promote the development of new AVS University Student Chapters, act as an advisor to all existing Student Chapters by overseeing their development, the submission of Annual Reports, and their compliance with AVS policies and procedures. There are 6 active student chapters.
- Recognition for Excellence in Mentorship: falls within the purview of the CD&G. It recognizes individuals from all scientific/engineering backgrounds, including but not limited to academicians, technicians, industrial researchers, and teachers, who, through mentoring, have enhanced the careers of future generations who might not have considered or had access to opportunities in science, engineering, and technology. Their mentoring and leadership in an effort to fully develop the world's human resources is critical to the best scientific and engineering progress. It is specifically for people that have gone above and beyond their regular job duties by leading programs that have a broad impact in training and mentoring, and promote diversity, belonging, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Recipients of this honor will have their profile displayed on the AVS website, be featured in the AVS newsletter, and receive a certificate of recognition. More than one recognition for excellence in mentorship could be made annually.
Education Committees
- Responsible for all educational activities as they relate to materials, outreach and short courses. In addition, each year the U.S. Physics Olympiad team receives an annual $1,000 sponsorship from this Committee via AIP.
- The Educational Materials and Outreach, History and Short Course Committee activities also fall within the purview of this Committee.
- Responsible for overseeing educational initiatives such as the previous development of the AVS monographs and the Science Educators' Workshop (SEW) held at the Annual Symposium. More details on the SEW.
- Production of the AVS monographs stopped approximately 20 years ago; however, they are still available to AVS members in our Technical Library.
- Records AVS history in papers, videotape, and by collecting historically important books, equipment, etc. A Subcommittee on Archives is responsible for maintaining the official records of the Society.
- This Committee establishes schedules for AVS course offerings and onsite offerings, sets the fee schedule, develops new courses and ensures instructor development and quality control. The staff manages the coordination and fulfillment of all courses and courses are offered in-person and online.
- In 2006, the Committee established the Courses by Request program to allow individuals to request courses and the Committee utilizes these requests to develop their schedule for the following year.
- Onsite courses are provided and customized to requesting companies.
- Each year, there are typically ~10-20 onsite programs, 2 virtual programs (spring and fall), the Fundamentals of Vacuum Technology course at the Symposium, and coordination support is provided for chapter programs. We are always seeking to increase our onsite offerings, as they provide valuable financial support for AVS.
- Approximately 5-6 AVS Chapters run regional short course programs each year, contracting with the AVS staff to provide any needed support.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
- Works to ensure that we foster and improve diversity in AVS and in areas of interest to the AVS and leverages our existing activities, such as career and professional leadership activities at our symposia, student awards, and student chapters, to encourage and foster a diverse membership for the Society and new initiatives that serve this purpose are always considered, as well.
- From 2022-2024, the Committee also developed a program with the AVS Symposium Undergraduate Poster Session champions to identify and target students from local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to encourage and support their participation in the meeting.
- Please note the AVS Diversity Statement: “AVS is committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness in our membership, as well as in all activities, events, programs, and services. Scientific and engineering innovation requires bringing together both diverse ideas and people from varied backgrounds who may have different worldviews and ways of solving problems. AVS seeks to include and engage members of all groups in our professional society and seeks to remove obstacles to their professional growth and advancement. Through our actions at the international, national, and local levels, we strive to promote inclusion in academic, industrial and government institutions for current and future members of AVS.”
Finance Committees
- Tasked with overseeing all Society financials and handling the preparation of the annual budget for Board approval at the last Board Meeting of the year (typically held at the Annual Symposium).
- Reports on the Society’s financial state to the Board at each meeting. The objective is to present a balanced budget and to maintain a reserve equal to at least a one-year operating budget (~$4,000,000).
- On the advice of our independent auditor, and with the approval of our Board, each year the Committee will budget for a transfer from the Investment accounts (~$450K) in order to ensure re-investment in the business and steady cash flow.
- A subcommittee of the Finance Committee established by the AVS Board of Directors in April 2014, in order to comply with the New York State Tax Law Change resulting from the Non-Profit Revitalization Act, which took effect on July 1, 2014. The purpose of the Act is to reduce bureaucracy, enhance oversight, and modernize governance. This Committee has oversight of the annual AVS audit to ensure that all requirements are in compliance and accordance with tax laws.
- Chaired by the President and is comprised of the President-Elect, Immediate Past-President, and Treasurer. They handle staff compensation issues, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, to ensure that AVS follows accurate and fair compensation practices.
- Manage all AVS investments, as well as the IUVSTA account, with the goal of ensuring sufficient funds are available for expenditures such as awards and Board-approved operational deficiencies.
- Committee works with Towneley Capital Management to assist with this task.
Governance Committees
- Oversees all Constitution and By-laws-related matters, as well as International Interactions, and the Strategic Plan subcommittees.
- The AVS Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan were first approved by the Board in October 2019. The current 2025-2029 Strategic Plan was approved by the Board in November 2024.
- Continues to monitor the implementation of our strategic plan, ensuring that the AVS leadership continually strives to fulfill the goals set forth in our strategic plan in their pursuit of all Society initiatives.
- Reviews the AVS, division, group, and chapter constitution and by-laws and procedures for conformance and recommends any changes to the Board as necessary. Any revisions and updates are submitted to the members with the annual international or chapter elections, as appropriate.
- Responsible for the annual review and update of the AVS Standard Policy and Procedures Manual (P&P), which is posted on the AVS website. The P&P is updated annually and submitted to the Board for review and approval at its July meeting.
- Acts as a liaison between the AVS governance, its members and the outside scientific community on issues affected by government policy, legislation and programs that have a direct bearing on the well-being of the science community and AVS in particular.
- Reviews requests for cooperation and assistance from vacuum societies outside the United States. The main activity has been to encourage and support societies on the American continent with other requests to be passed to the International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Application (IUVSTA)—learn more about IUVSTA.
- Considers and supports requests to send AVS representatives to various international vacuum society meetings (e.g., Mexican Society for the Science and Technology of Surfaces and Materials, the Korean Vacuum Society, the Brazilian Vacuum Society, Israel Vacuum Society, Taiwan AVS, etc.).
- Instrumental in the formation of AVS International Chapters and Affiliates.
- Regularly reviews and updates the AVS Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision, analyzing data and other Society metrics, to ensure we are successfully working toward our strategic goals. This involves ongoing interactions and discussions with all key AVS committees and stakeholders. The current 2025-2029 strategic plan was approved at the November 2024 Board Meeting. In 2025, the Committee worked with the leadership and all committees to align all activities with our Plan, and it continues to track our metrics.
Marketing & Communications Committee
- Works closely with the chairs governing key Society areas (e.g., Membership, Education, Strategic Plan, etc.) to ensure that our products and events are marketed and promoted effectively, enhancing our efforts, as necessary.
- Spearheaded the formation of the Student Chapters Program in 2003.
- Buyer’s Guide and Web activities fall within the purview of this Committee.
- Publishes the monthly AVS e-Newsletter Beneath the Surface, as well as the quarterly President’s Message to all members.
- Manages the AVS social media sites on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, as well as the AVS Events and Activities Mobile app, which features meeting apps and online schedulers developed by AVS Web/IT for the AVS-managed conferences.
- Works with Web/IT to manage and develop the AVS website, which is the public face of AVS.
Membership Committees
- Screens membership applications (these are submitted to the Board for approval at each Meeting)
- Identifies ways to more effectively serve the membership, manages membership benefits, retention, membership drives and initiatives, conducting membership studies/surveys, cost analyses, and advising the Board accordingly.
- Sponsors the AVS Symposium Member Center where engaging networking and professional development events are held throughout the week.
- Responsible for presenting a plan for membership dues to the Board for approval each year.
- Creates and manages AVS activities that promote individual career growth and professional impact of all AVS members.
- Conducts activities that promote professional development and leadership throughout the year—these include career development webinars, sessions, and networking activities held in the Member Center and a Career Center for job information exchange between employees and employers at the Symposium.
- Formed in 2018 for the purpose of promoting and increasing industrial engagement within AVS events, activities, programs, and also at the chapter level.
- Tasked with determining what our early career community/potential members need and planning events and activities and identifying benefits to encourage their engagement in AVS.
- Works to build a vibrant and robust community of AVS members and support the professional development, community health, and AVS engagement of all AVS members. This is accomplished by identifying opportunities to support professional development, community engagement, workforce development, and financial support for conference attendance of all AVS members.
Publications Committee
- Manages the business development and publication of the AVS journals and journal products and works closely with the Publications Office, Editors, and AIP Publishing (AIPP) toward the realization of our financial goals for the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A & B (JVST), Surface Science Spectra (SSS), and Biointerphases (BiP). Also worked with AIPP to navigate the terms of a publishing partnership agreement for AVS Quantum Science, which launched in 2019.
- Recommends policy to the Board, including working with AIPP and the AVS Board to determine the non-member subscription rates at the second Board Meeting each year, and works closely with AIPP on publication-related matters.
Recommended Practices Committee
- Establishes working groups to prepare documents on practices that are considered important for AVS members and equipment manufacturers. Recommended practices are available on the AVS website as a member benefit.
- Recommend, through ASTM, approved practices to ANSI for adoption as U.S. standards.
Symposia & Conferences Committees
- Tasked with making recommendations on future technical programs, advising meeting organizers, and reporting to the Board as requested. Objective is to optimize the directions of future symposia, recommending short-term adjustments that will have long-term effects. The Exhibitors and Manufacturers, Program, and Topical Conference activities fall within the purview of this Committee. Please note the Code of Conduct for all AVS Meetings.
- Staff function managed by our ARS representatives following the 2024 retirement of AVS Exhibition and Sales Manager.
- Works to engage with and represent the views of the exhibitors, who constitute a very important part of the Society but are generally not very involved in the technical activities.
- Oversee management of the exhibition activities and maintain open lines of communication between the AVS Board and the vendor community, as they work to strengthen and grow the exhibit, sponsorship and corporate membership.
- Determines the technical program for the International Symposium.
- Committee is composed of the Program Chairs, Symposia & Conference Chairs, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Events and Marketing Communications, and the division, group chairs, focus topic and mini-symposia champions.
- The Chair is responsible for the entire technical program and related activities.
- Reviews requests for AVS co-sponsorship/endorsement of conferences (see the types described under Endorsement & Sponsorship Information), establishing and enforcing policy to facilitate the co-sponsorship and publication application and approval process
- Also charged with identifying new technical areas for which conferences should be organized by AVS.
- The AVS Thin Film Division founded the Atomic Layer Deposition Meeting in 2001. The meeting rotated between venues in the U.S., Europe, and Asia each summer, with the AVS staff providing full conference management support in the U.S. years. Over the years, the meeting grew larger, and the Atomic Layer Etching component was added with the support of the Plasma Science and Technology Division. In 2017, the Thin Film Division and the ALD Steering Committee requested that AVS take full ownership of the conference in all years in order to ensure stability, consistency in budget conference/management, and growth for the Conference. Our first international conference was held in Korea—ALD/ALE 2018 in July 2018, which was a huge success and broke a record with well over 1,100 attendees. ALD/ALE is now fully an AVS event with full financial and organizational ownership by AVS. The 2020-2021 event was presented in a virtual format. The event was held successfully in Belgium in 2022, Bellevue, Washington, in 2023, Finland in 2024, and on Jeju Island, South Korea in 2025 to commemorate the 25th Anniversary. The 2026 conference was held June 28–July 1, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. The AVS 27th International Conference on Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD 2027), featuring the 14th International Atomic Layer Etching Workshop (ALE 2027), will take place June 20–23, 2027, in Dresden, Germany. ALD/ALE 2028 is planned for the United States (location to be determined).
- The Future Symposia Sites and Local Arrangements Committees were eliminated in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and the associated functions are now handled by Della Miller and Yvonne Towse, in consultation with our exhibition representatives, as they are all responsible for managing all AVS Symposium business. They review prospective venues for future annual symposia and recommend sites to the Board as needed.
Ad Hoc Committees
- An ad hoc committee formed in 2025 to encourage membership growth and volunteer engagement and to ensure committee succession planning.
- An ad hoc committee formed in 2025 to serve as an advisory body, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the leadership on the review of operations, resources, budgetary constraints, staffing, and the development of a path toward succession planning.