Saturday, April 20, 1–3 PM
BCEC Room 206B
Advocacy can be broadly defined as efforts to help others understand the central importance of scientific research. Those efforts can be aimed at students who represent the next generation of scientists, members of our communities, and elected officials at the local, state and national levels. As resources become scarce and competition for funds increases we contend that advocacy is an essential component of modern academic science, critical not only to securing support for science, but also for encouraging broader participation in the sciences and ensuring a diverse and vibrant future workforce.
Although scientists understand the importance of advocacy, some may not know how to get started or lack the time to initiate or undertake their own advocacy programs. We would like to give researchers some practical tips and tools for getting started and help them understand where the most accessible opportunities are. We will highlight advocacy opportunities “in your own backyard” and discuss advocacy opportunities available through membership in scientific societies, with an emphasis on how trainees can become effective science advocates early in their careers.
Chaired by R. Brooks Robey and Gina Yosten
Presentations
- Gina C. Schatteman, Univ. of Iowa. Case studies: local and national programs.
- Tim Leshan, Northeastern Univ. Facilitating outreach through research universities.
- Michelle R. Sukup Jackson, MIT. The student perspective and action in the science policy intersection.
- William T. Talman, Univ. of Iowa/VA Med. Ctr. Getting a conversation started.