Activating Early Career Scientists through Science Policy Partnerships: Building Resources from COVID-19 to the 2020 Election

Abstract:

The National Science Policy Network started out as an idea among a few passionate graduate students and has rapidly emerged as a vibrant and engaged national network of talented early career scientists and engineers. NSPN's mission is to catalyze the engagement of early career scientists and engineers in policy making by fostering community, training the next generation of leaders, and empowering advocates for the role of science in society. This talk will highlight the power of this network of partnerships in addressing the urgent challenges facing science and society in 2020 and beyond. Case studies from the past year include:

• 600+ volunteers working with the Federation of American Scientists to answer the public's questions about coronavirus in real time
• Groups in more than six states developing regionally tailored questions about science, technology and health for political candidates with Science Debate
• Over 15 op-eds about vaccines, public education, racial justice, and more published in local media outlets with support from Science Rising

To achieve our vision of a world where science, policy, and innovation power a diverse, equitable society and a resilient, sustainable planet, young scientists and engineers must pursue transformative partnerships. NSPN's national network is ultimately driven by collaborative, community-based partnerships that can provide both best practices and lessons learned for effectively bridging science and policy.