Blog authors
Using Workshops as a Tool to Build Scientists’ Engagement in Policy Jennifer Mongiovi, MS, doctoral candidate and Jessica O Neill, PhD, MPH, co-founder, UCS Science Network, UCS | January 22, 2021, 10:26 am EDT
The Buffalo 500 Women Scientists hosted a virtual science policy workshop in May 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the United States, we knew that the policy workshop we had been planning for 6 months would need to change. Our goal was to build the capacity of local scientists to influence the laws and policies that shape our community. We spent six months planning a full day, in person event, then quickly adapted to the public health distancing guidelines and instead hosted the event on Zoom. Over 50 registrants attended the virtual event. Results from surveys indicated that the workshop informed and empowered local scientists to become more involved in infl