Science Advocacy: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategies for Challenging Times

Session ID#: 281320

Session Description:
The scientific community has been hit hard by funding cuts, censorship, and disinformation, while also navigating political uncertainties that impact research, universities, early career opportunities, and the scientific workforce. Scientists have faced increasing pushback for both research and advocacy—yet their voices are needed now more than ever. This session, taking place shortly after the US midterm elections, will bring together researchers, practitioners, experts, and organizers to discuss the science advocacy landscape and ways scientists can take both individual and collective action in support of science, democracy, and shared values. We are looking for case studies with forward-looking lessons from the local to national level. How can we equip the next generation with the skills, mindset, and networks they need to safely and effectively take action? What can we learn from other movements and organizing spaces? How can we support and sustain engagement in order to achieve long-term, science-informed successes?
Co-Sponsor(s):
  • A - Atmospheric Sciences
  • ED - Education
  • GC - Global Environmental Change
  • GH - GeoHealth
Index Terms:

6349 General or miscellaneous [POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES]
6615 Legislation and regulations [PUBLIC ISSUES]
6620 Science policy [POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES]
6620 Science policy [PUBLIC ISSUES]
Primary Convener:  Melissa Varga, Union of Concerned Scientists Washington DC, Washington, DC, United States
Conveners:  Christopher Jackson, Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally, Washington, United States, Allie Cashel, Protect Democracy, Burlington, United States and Jessica Trinh, Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally, San Francisco, United States
Student/Early Career Convener:  Ashley Yen Eng, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States; Scientist Network for Advancing Policy, San Francisco, United States
See more of: Science and Society