About the Committee
Finalists in the Elevator Speech Competition hosted by PIC with 2018 Committee Chair Lee Ligon (right)
The Public Information Committee (PIC) is the outreach arm of the Society, promoting science outreach as a core value of ASCB and its members. It organizes science communication and public engagement activities and develops tools and opportunities for all ASCB members to improve their science outreach skills.
Activities
- The committee has collected evidence-based science communication resources for diverse public audiences on Effective Public Outreach, Best Practices in Science Communication, Working with the Press, Discussing Controversial Topics, Social Media for Scientists, and Use of Videos/Multimedia.
- View images from the 2020 Image & Video Contest
- The 2021 Image & Video Contest will open from September through October.
- View blogs related to science outreach
Signature Programs
Member Criteria
Committee membership is open to regular members, postdocs, and graduate students. Full members serve three-year terms renewable one time. New members serve one year as Associate members before being considered as full members. Committee members are expected to participate and be engaged in committee activities and have a genuine interest in the mission of the committee.
Time Commitment
Members participate in two all-committee conference calls (one in the spring and one in the fall) and one in-person meeting held during the ASCB/EMBO Meeting. In addition to the meetings and calls, members should be prepared to commit at least an hour each month to committee duties, sometimes more if involved with working groups or other committee activities.
Interested in Applying?
ASCB members interested in being considered for membership should submit a CV and a statement of interest that includes your philosophy of scientific outreach and engagement, and outlines any experience you have in this arena. Applications are considered in the fall. Questions about committee membership? Send an email to ascbinfo@ascb.org.
Apply to Join the Committee
Applications are due by October 15
Staff Contact Info
Thea Clarke, Director of Communications and Education“Never has it been more important for scientists to engage with the public. So it’s been very rewarding to be on the Public Information Committee and help ASCB members develop strategies for public engagement.” - Richard Sever, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory