Takes Two to Tango
This post was co-written by Policy Director Chad English. Science clearly has a critical role to play in informing policy. Congressional staff, governors’ resource advisors, and dedicated science...
View ArticleThe Federal Budget & You: Why Scientists Should Care about R&D Spending
Last month, in a rare display of activism, hundreds of Canadian scientists took to the streets to protest, among other things, cuts to federal funding for environmental research and the forced closure...
View ArticleAbout Us: Erica Goldman
All COMPASS staff share a common love for the natural world, and have come to COMPASS via a winding spectrum of experiences. As promised, over the next couple of weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the...
View ArticleFinding the Science Signal in the Budget Noise
Most of us have had our fill of the “fiscal cliff,” are glad that we’re (technically) past it, but dread the next round of this fiercely political debate. In the midst of this – in two weeks time – the...
View ArticleA Navigator to get you Across the Policy Chasm
Why is it that some scientists seem to have an easy time getting the ear of policymakers? When it comes to engaging decision-makers, we’ve told you to find the story in your science, to prepare...
View ArticleLessons from Leopold (Part I)
As a scientist with an ever-growing list of responsibilities, you want to invest your time wisely in any activity you take on. Even as time becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, many of you...
View ArticleBalancing Act: Finding a Place for Policy Engagement
Academics are hearing the message loud and clear that society needs what they have to offer. In Nicholas Kristof’s recent provocative column, “Professors, We Need You!,” he admonishes professors not to...
View ArticleTop Ten Tip-lists for Sharing Your Science
Almost fifteen years ago I joined two of COMPASS’ cofounders – Jane Lubchenco and Vikki Spruill – at the Packard Foundation to share about the need for a science communication organization and what our...
View ArticleYour Science is a Multi-tool
Science plays many roles in the policymaking process. Describing those roles is often harder than I expect. While attending the North American Congress of Conservation Biology (NACCB) in July, I was...
View ArticleThe Agony of the Ask
The elections yesterday mark the end of the campaign ads and the beginning of this term’s policymaking cycle. Newly (re)elected policymakers (and their staff) are setting their agendas for the next...
View Article
