Civic engagement as a leverage for science careers
Abstract
A scientific background and education provides a broad range of technical and non-technical skills and qualities that are an asset in the policy-making arena at the Federal, State or local level. A science education involves direct exposure to key skills in information technology, data analysis, statistics, as well as basic and advanced training in specific STEM subjects far beyond that encountered by the typical non-STEM graduate working in the policy arena. But STEM graduates also obtain a range of transferable skills that are of even greater value in the policy world such as strong argumentation and logic skills, the ability to conceive and design complex studies, public speaking experience and general resourcefulness.
Despite these qualities and abilities, many science-trained individuals are reluctant to engage in policy activities. Some fear that engaging in such activities takes precious time away from building a successful research career. Others are concerned that "advocacy" activities may be seen by other scientists as "taking sides" and surrendering the mantle of "impartial observer" that science relies on. In reality, when framed and managed effectively, civic engagement does not come at a cost to a scientific career but can become a powerful source of additional skills and experience. Knowledge and experience in the policy-making arena can be a powerful asset for technical careers because of the strong interplay between science and society in areas such as regulation, education, and funding for science itself. Civically-engaged scientists and engineers are more often sought out as advisors to policy makers and the private sector and senior leadership in many research organizations requires some familiarity and experience with the policy process.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMPA52A..01F
- Keywords:
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- 6309 Decision making under uncertainty;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES;
- 6324 Legislation and regulations;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES;
- 6349 General or miscellaneous;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES;
- 6620 Science policy;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES