The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy

March 18, 2021

AGU’s 2021 Policy Priorities

As a scientific society whose members’ research and interests span the universe, AGU’s science policy interests are just as vast – from scientific integrity to funding for science to building resilience to natural hazards. In 2019, AGU began developing annual policy priorities to help focus our advocacy work and speed the advancement of important science policy and legislation. For example, last Congress by focusing on our policy priorities AGU was able to secure passage of the Space Weather Research …

February 18, 2021

A new webinar & new opportunity to engage U.S. policymakers

2021 has brought with it a new Congress and a new U.S. administration, which means new opportunities to engage policymakers and share with them the value of the Earth and space sciences. Join our upcoming webinar Whether you are new to science policy and want to learn more about federal policy processes or are experienced but just want to improve the effectiveness of your engagements, AGU and its …

January 25, 2021

Join us in welcoming your new Members of Congress

The 117th Congress was sworn in on 3 January and has already been busy laying out priorities and drafting legislation. Join us on 25-29 January and reach out to your new member of Congress, follow them on social media, introduce yourself and let them know why #ScienceIsEssential. Introducing yourself now will help ensure science stays on the minds of members as they set their priorities for the new Congress. The AGU Action Center automatically connects you …

January 6, 2021

A new Congress and a new administration: what to expect in 2021

The year 2020 was monumental for U.S. elections: more than 159 million people voted, the highest number ever recorded in an election. President Joseph R. Biden’s win was certified on 6 January by Congress. Already, President Biden has shared his priorities for his time in office: COVID-19, economic recovery, addressing racial equity and climate change. Democrats maintained control of the House of Representatives and flipped the Senate, giving President-elect Biden …

April 16, 2020

Stimulus funding helps the Earth and space science community

Caroline Gleason and Emily Orzechowski are AGU’s Spring 2020 Public Affairs Interns Three emergency COVID-19 stimulus bills have passed into law over the last month. The contents of these bills – from billions in funding for emergency vaccine development, to financial support to hospitals, to direct cash payments for millions of Americans – have been reported on widely. AGU is also offering many resources to help our community, including …

October 8, 2019

AGU welcomes new Congressional Science Fellow, Dr. Kate Voss

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is pleased to announce its newest Congressional Science Fellow, Dr. Katalyn Voss. Now in its 42nd year, AGU’s Congressional Science Fellow program places highly qualified and accomplished scientists, engineers, and other professionals in the office of an individual member of Congress or on a committee for a one-year assignment. Dr. Voss, who started her fellowship in September, has been placed within the office of Sen. …

October 2, 2019

Funding Update: Continuing Resolution keeps government open, appropriations continue

On Friday, 27 September, President Trump signed into law a continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government funded through 21 November 2019. The CR extends 2019 funding levels into the start of Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which began on 1 October. Although this means that science agencies will remain operational, while under a CR agencies cannot award new grants, plan new programs, or budget appropriately. Additionally, the CR can …

May 1, 2019

Catalyzing Change: One Scientist’s Experience During the Catalyzing Advocacy for Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop

Meredith Richardson is a PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Thanks to AGU and its initiatives for connecting science and policy, last month I had the opportunity to attend the Catalyzing Advocacy for Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, DC. The workshop was a 3-day crash course in how Congress works. We …

August 8, 2018

Meet with Your Legislator This August Recess!

It’s that time of year again. Throughout next month (also known as “August Recess”), members of Congress will be home in their state and district offices to host events and meet with constituents to talk about their priorities. While the Senate has canceled part of their recess, your Representatives and (for part of the time) your Senators will be looking to hear from you as their constituent while they’re home. …

April 2, 2018

Marching for Science? Know Your Rights

Today’s post is written by the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund. Many scientists in the United States have been moved to action as a result of the current political climate. If you’re one of them and you’re planning to join the March for Science on April 14 — or participate in other activism — it’s crucial that you know your rights. Although the chances of running into trouble when you stand up …