October 31, 2023
Join AGU Science Policy at #AGU23
Posted by Caitlin Bergstrom
Science Policy events at #AGU23
AGU’s annual meeting is just around the corner! We are thrilled to return to San Francisco in person this year and online everywhere. Our Science Policy Team has been busy preparing a packed schedule of science policy events for our members – whether you want to hear about coalition-building, learn the basics and start your journey into science policy, or even take the next step into the policy world and learn more about the fellowship opportunities AGU offers, we have you covered. Check our schedule below for descriptions and links to each event. You can also find details of all events here.
Questions about any events? Email [email protected].
Ad hoc:
Free Legal Advice for Scientists
Lawyers from the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund will be available December 11th though December 14th for 30-minute, one-on-one, free counseling sessions with scientists who are attending AGU23. CSLDF attorneys will provide free legal consultations on issues facing scientists such as First Amendment matters (for example, issues of censorship or defamation), employment concerns, strategies for safe-guarding online communications from adverse interests, or any other legal issues that scientists would like to discuss. These one-on-ones can be scheduled ahead of time or day of, depending upon remaining availability. To schedule, use Calendly: https://calendly.com/cmarchesano/agu-legal-consultations-1-1-climate-science-legal-defense-fund. For CSLDF resources, go to https://www.csldf.org/resources/.
Monday 11 December
10:15 am – 11:15 am PST
Moscone West Level 2, Pod 7
Have questions about how to get involved in science policy or improve your science advocacy skills? The AGU Science Policy & Government Relations team can help. Stop by our office hours to discuss opportunities, resources, and support we have available to engage in science policy at the local/state, federal, or international level.
14:10 – 15:40 PST
2020 – West (Level 2, West, Moscone Center)
Science is essential for developing effective and equitable public policies. On topics from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and beyond, scientists have the responsibility to provide timely, evidence-based, objective analysis to policy makers and decision makers throughout all levels of government. In this session, we seek to shine a light on the science community’s recent efforts to restore faith in the role of science in policy, from local- and community-level engagement to Federal policy making. We encourage abstract submissions that highlight specific science-based public policy initiatives as well as abstracts more broadly focused on science policy collaborations. We welcome submissions from scientists, policy makers, and science advocates who have worked at the interface of science and public policy. We especially want to highlight science communication and engagement practices that enable effective collaborations between scientists and policymakers.
Science Policy Coffee Roundtable
16:00-17:40 PST
Marriott, Room Nob Hill Salon 6
Getting Involved in the 2024 U.S. Election
16:00 – 17:30 PST
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
In this joint event between AGU and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF), CSLDF attorneys will explain various ways that scientists can apply their expertise towards the policy and lawmaking processes at a crucial time. CSLDF attorneys will describe best practices for scientists interested in campaigning for science-forward candidates of their choice, as well as how to engage with Congress on important legislative matters. CSLDF attorneys will also cover general First Amendment rights as they pertain to scientists and researchers, and explain how scientists can be most effective in their advocacy efforts overall.
Tuesday 12 December
Making an Impact with Science for Policy: From Local to International Levels
08:30 – 10:00 PST | 11:30 – 13:00 EDT
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
Around the globe, science informs the policies that impact society every day, from regulations to fight climate change, to building standards based on regional hazards like earthquakes or typhoons, to policies on ocean drilling. Decisions on these essential policies also occur at every level of governance, from overarching intergovernmental decisions on our global emissions targets all the way down to the local municipality level. Each of these governance levels requires relevant, timely, and accurate scientific evidence and advice to inform these decisions.
10:15 am – 11:15 am PST
Moscone West Level 2, Pod 7
Have questions about how to get involved in science policy or improve your science advocacy skills? The AGU Science Policy & Government Relations team can help. Stop by our office hours to discuss opportunities, resources, and support we have available to engage in science policy at the local/state, federal, or international level.
Science for Community Progress: Advising Local Government as a Scientist
10:20 – 11:50 PST
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
As local governments grapple with increasingly complex policy challenges, the role of science (and scientists) in driving evidence-based solutions is a growing imperative. This creates a valuable opportunity for STEM professionals to contribute their expertise to their communities, providing insight on topics ranging from community health to environmental justice. Yet, taking the first steps toward local engagement may appear daunting, particularly as many scientists are not provided such guidance during their scientific training. In this session, participants will engage with STEM professionals who have leveraged their scientific expertise to inform local policy, driving progress toward a healthy, sustainable, and equitable San Francisco Bay Area. Attendees will then have the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into practice, utilizing resources from Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) to identify local engagement in their communities, such as through public comment or ballot measures.
Climate Science and Policy I Oral
10:20 – 11:50 PST
2020 – West (Level 2, West, Moscone Center)
Science is critical to addressing climate change responsibly. From coastal towns to rural farms to urban centers, climate change can pose potentially significant challenges to our environment, our health, our communities, and our economic well-being. Climate change can even put our national security at risk, such as through regional instability caused by water or food insecurity that might require U.S. military-supported relief activities. In this session, we seek to highlight the role of science in climate change policy, from local- and community-level engagement to Federal and international policy making. We warmly welcome submissions from scientists, policy makers, Indigenous Knowledge holders, and science advocates who have worked at the interface of climate science and public policy.
Wednesday 13 December
Serving in Local Government as a Scientist
08:30 – 10:00 PST
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
For STEM professionals looking for new avenues to utilize their scientific expertise, service in local government presents a high impact opportunity. Whether it’s serving on a local board or running for public office, scientists can contribute technical knowledge and unique perspectives that can be instrumental in developing impactful policy solutions. This is particularly true as local decision makers often lack the scientific training critical to addressing issues in public health, the environment, emerging technologies and more. In this session, attendees will hear from a panel of Bay Area STEM professionals from who have been active members in local government, helping shape their communities for the better. Utilizing resources from Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL), attendees will also have the opportunity to develop their own action plan for local service, providing direction and concrete steps they can take as they aim to become more civically engaged.
10:15 am – 11:15 am PST
Moscone West Level 2, Pod 7
Have questions about how to get involved in science policy or improve your science advocacy skills? The AGU Science Policy & Government Relations team can help. Stop by our office hours to discuss opportunities, resources, and support we have available to engage in science policy at the local/state, federal, or international level.
Micro Learning Session – Science Policy Skills 101
10:20 – 11:50 PST
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
Join AGU’s Science Policy staff for a micro learning block covering the basics of science policy.
Congress 101 and Researching Your Policymakers
We will cover why it is important to engage in policy as a scientist, the basics of Congress- including how to understand when and where your input matters most, and how to research your legislators to make your meetings and engagements matter most.
Effectively Communicating the “Why” Behind Your Science to Policymakers
We will cover the 3 things you need for an effective meeting with policymakers to begin honing your message. Attendees will understand how to form an “ask,” message, and story to effectively engage with policymakers and leave with a worksheet to hone their message. Understanding your target audience and forming an effective message is a fundamental skill for all science outreach.
What the U.S. Federal Budgeting Process Means for Science and How You Can Make an Impact
Attendees will understand the basics of the U.S. appropriations process, how it relates to science funding, and avenues to advocate for increased science funding. Understanding the appropriations process and messaging the benefit of increased science funding to broader audiences are fundamental skills for scientists wanting to engage in science policy or who are exploring science policy careers.
15:00-16:30 PST
AGU Central, Hall F- North (Exhibition Level, North, Moscone Center)
There are a variety of career opportunities for scientists outside of academia, including the field of science policy. Science policy is a multidisciplinary field that spans science, politics, communication and advocacy. Because of this diversity, countless science policy career opportunities can be found for individuals of all levels of college education and of various academic backgrounds. This session will provide the opportunity to hear from a variety of science policy experts and ask your questions about career opportunities in science policy. All levels of interest and experience are invited.
Thursday 14 December
Science Policy and Communications Fellowships Panel
14:10 – 15:40 PST
159 – South (Upper Mezzanine, South, Moscone Center)
Fellowships and other year-long professional development opportunities are an excellent way to gain experience, advance your career, and meet a community of people with similar interests and goals. In the science policy and science communications fields, these types of opportunities are extremely valuable as a transition from a science degree and background, a way to try out a new field, or a way to gain valuable knowledge that will serve you well when you return to academia or research. In this 90 minute session, you will learn about several key opportunities offered through AGU.
14:10 – 18:30 PST
Poster Hall A-C – South (Exhibition Level, South, MC)
Collaborating with communities for solutions-based projects can have personal and professional rewards. Thriving Earth Exchange is hosting this session in collaboration with Voices for Science and Science and Society to hear from a broad range of scientists and experts engaged in community science. Learn why some scientists are drawn to using their talents to help achieve community priorities, even on a volunteer basis, and what you might expect from becoming a community scientist yourself.
Friday 15 December
10:20 – 11:50 PST
2018 – West (Level 2, West, Moscone Center)
Collaborating with communities for solutions-based projects can have personal and professional rewards. Thriving Earth Exchange is hosting this session in collaboration with Voices for Science and Science and Society to hear from a broad range of scientists and experts engaged in community science. Learn why some scientists are drawn to using their talents to help achieve community priorities, even on a volunteer basis, and what you might expect from becoming a community scientist yourself.
