The Union of Concern Scientists (UCS) has launched a national advertising campaign designed to show the dedication and professionalism of those scientists studying climate change.  I think this is fantastic.  Hopefully this will help non-scientists better understand the science surrounding climate change.  Information on the UCS campaign can be found ...

In today's Politico five members of Congress write an opinion piece on the need for innovation to "jump start" the economy.  The piece begins with
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I just came across a great post by Lisa Balbes on the ACS Careers blog about green opportunities for chemistry careers.  I encourage you to read it, especially if you are started your career or thinking of changing it.

In today's New York Times, John Tierney discusses women in science and a recent bill passed by the House of Representatives on the subject.  He discusses recent studies done about the differences between male and females and concludes that we need to take "a hard look at the evidence of bias against female scientists."  Read the article ...

Have you ever wondered how you might get more involved – perhaps even run for elective office?  If so, we invite you to participate in an interesting, free, and virtual seminar – “Run for Office!” hosted by the organization Scientists & Engineers for America.

From local school board to United States Congress, scientists and engineers are uniquely qualified to address America’s most pressing policy decisions. We have detailed knowledge of technical issues and an unparalleled ability to facilitate evidence-based decision making.  It is imperative that members of the science and engineering community have a seat at the table when key policy decisions are made. 

ACS supports the efforts of Scientists & Engineers for America and encourages you to participate in this online seminar, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 6:30 PM.  Visit http://www.sefora.org to learn more or email Brielle Welzer (brielle.welzer@sefora.org) to RSVP.

Join us on Tuesday, April 27 at 6:30 PM EST for the virtual seminar:

Run for Office!
Promote evidence-based decision making through active civic participation.

featuring SEA Excutive Director
Camron Gorguinpour.

This is a FREE and VIRTUAL event.
To attend this Seminar, please RSVP to brielle.welzer@sefora.org
We have approximately 20 spots open for the seminar.
We welcome all SEA members to attend our seminars.
If you are not already a member, sign up here.

Seminar Summary

If you have ever thought about running for office or working on a political campaign now is the time to act. America urgently needs the direct participation of scientists and engineers in the political process at all levels of government. From local school board to United States Congress, scientists and engineers are uniquely qualified to address America’s most pressing policy decisions. They have detailed knowledge of technical issues and an unparalleled ability to facilitate evidence-based decision making. It is imperative that members of the science and engineering community have a seat at the table when key policy decisions are made. We need you to step forward and make a difference.

Join Camron Gorguinpour on Tuesday, April 27 at 6:30pm EST for a virtual seminar to learn more about how you can get involved in the 2010 election cycle and beyond.

Visit http://www.sefora.org to learn more.

About Camron Gorguinpour

Camron Gorguinpour is a PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley/UC San Francisco Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering. His area of expertise is human space exploration, particularly the impact of radiation on humans during long-duration missions. Camron co-created the Introduction to Bioastronautics course and taught it for four years in Berkeley’s Bioengineering Department. Prior to working for SEA, Camron spent six years as Executive Director for Space Science Outreach and Research (SSOAR) – a Berkeley-based nonprofit organization. Through SSOAR, Camron designed and executed numerous science education programs, including the creation of two public charter schools in collaboration with NASA, UC Berkeley, and the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. In addition to his work as a scientist, educator, and nonprofit executive, Camron has worked on political campaigns at both the state and national levels. He most recently worked as campaign manager for a House of Delegates race in Virginia. Camron holds a B.A. in Physics and a B.A. in Astrophysics from UC Berkeley, and he expects to receive his PhD in May 2010. For those who are curious, his name is pronounced (Comm-Ron Gore-Ginn-Pore).

Suggested Readings and Multi-Media

An SEA-produced video
Featuring Representative Vern Ehlers encouraging others in the scientific community to run for office.

Meeting urges scientists into politics
A 2008 Nature article advertising SEA's campaign training workshops.

Fundraising and Communication Tips for Scientist-Candidates
A video of University of Maryland professor Phil Tajitsu Nash at SEA's 2009 Fundraising Workshop.

Please email SEA's Program Director Brie Welzer today to RSVP.
To attend this seminar, please sign up for a membership with SEA (a free service!)

Ms. Brielle H. Welzer
Program Director
202.223.6445
Scientists and Engineers for America (SEA)
SHARP.SEforA.org

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Yesterday, President Obama gave a speech to the Business Roundtable.  He spoke of common concerns and challanged the group to work with him to overcome their differences.  He also spoke about the need for innovation and education--below is a section of the speech that deals with competitiveness issues.

Once a week the American Chemical Society hosts webinars that connect scientists with subject experts and global thought leaders in chemical sciences, management, and business, these webinars are typically held on Thursdays at 2:00 PM ET....

The media and pundits are talking about the impact of the recent batch of congressional retirements and what it means for the remainder of the Obama Administration.  However, none of the pundits are talking about the impact the retirements will have on science policy.  Do you think a change in Congress will influence science policy?  If so, how?  Please feel free to comment.