Workshop: Communicating Science to Policy Makers
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 8:30 AM - Sunday, May 12, 2019, 5:30 PM EDT
The New York Academy of Sciences, 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich St Fl 40, New York
Communicating science to policy makers is a skill that scientists will apply at some point in their careers. The ability to effectively communicate science is necessary in reviewing grant proposals for scientific projects and crafting science project solicitations, to advising regulators and policy makers in many issues that affect society. As researchers, the expertise you offer also plays a major role in shaping policy both locally and internationally, affecting issues such as climate change and access to water.
This two-day in-person workshop will cover three areas:
• Policy for Science (research funding)
• Science for Policy (use of scientific evidence in policy)
• Science Diplomacy (role of science in international policy issues)
The workshop will employ a role-playing approach, where participants will be broken up into groups to tackle a case study for each of the three areas. Participants will exercise the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate common obstacles at the science-policy interface.
Workshop objectives:
1. Understand the importance of science in policy settings.
2. Understand the challenges policy-makers experience in balancing facts and values.
3. Practice verbal communication and interpersonal skills applicable to a policy setting.
4. Learn how to ensure the relevance of scientific information in domestic and international policy contexts.
5. Develop interpretative tools to meaningfully contribute to science policy debates.
6. Identify opportunities in science policy as a researcher.
Registration
Organizer
The New York Academy of Sciences
Instructor
University College London
Facilitator
Society for Neuroscience
Saturday
May 11, 2019
Check-in and Breakfast
Welcome and Introductions by the Organizers and the Facilitator
Tour De Table and Participants Introductions
Introductory Reflections: What Is My Interest in Science Policy? What Do I Want to Get Out of This Workshop?
Careers in Science Policy and Advocacy: Or How to Think About Your Future in Policy
Coffee Break
An Introduction to the Science Policy Interface: Concepts, Challenges, And Key Skills.
Q&A
Lunch Break and Networking
Role-play Exercise 1 – Policy for Science: Why Should the Government Fund Science?
Coffee Break
Debriefing on Exercise 1
Debriefing on the Day
Sunday
May 12, 2019