Every year, the world celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development on November 10. The event was created in 2001 by the United Nations as a way to highlight the role science plays in society. The annual celebration also focuses attention on the need for citizens around the world to become more engaged in the debate about cutting-edge science.
The theme of the 2017 World Science Day is “Science for Global Understanding.” Check out the website for information on events happening near you and for ways to celebrate in your own community.
As scientists, it is important that we communicate our science with the public at large and our community so that they can understand the importance of our work for the future health of the nation. The American Society for Cell Biology has a number of examples of how to help spread the message of science. Visit the Science Advocacy webpage.
Other ways you can spread the good news about science are through our Early Career Meeting Grants, which provide funding to help you host your own local scientific symposium, and with our COMPASS Outreach Grants, which provide funds for postdocs and graduate students to hold hands-on science workshops at schools and outreach with the general public.
This week, make sure to follow the ASCB twitter feed, @ASCBiology, for other examples of how you can become more involved in communicating science on November 10 and during the rest of the year.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Director of Public Policy and Media Relations for The American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org