Building Bridges Symposium: Fostering Understanding Between Lawmakers and the Scientific Community in Kentucky.

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Building Bridges Symposium: Fostering Understanding Between Lawmakers and the Scientific Community in Kentucky. The disconnect between lawmakers and the research community creates a barrier to understanding of the importance of scientific research. This highly collaborative project aims to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers by organizing a joint poster session at the Kentucky state capitol organized by the University of Louisville (UofL) Science Policy and Outreach Group and the University of Kentucky (UK) Kentucky Advocates for Science Policy and Research. The session will highlight the significance of basic science research, its contributions to medical advancements, and its economic impact. The goals of our project are to create meaningful dialogue with state lawmakers in Kentucky, provide lawmakers with a deeper understanding of ongoing scientific research within the state, and discuss important policy issues with lawmakers that may affect active research at UofL and UK. This project will allow graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to learn more about the legislature and policymaking in the state of Kentucky and beyond. The symposium will offer a chance for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to discuss and educate lawmakers about ongoing research in the UK and UofL communities, as well as how current policy issues affect research. The project will put researchers in direct contact with individuals working at the Kentucky state capitol by having the poster session on the hill. The poster session will allow for direct interaction with lawmakers and their staff, and help to build a greater understanding of the legislative process and how scientists can impact policy decisions. Presenters at the symposium will improve their science communication skills by specifically focusing on communicating to a general audience. The project organizers will learn how to navigate the Kentucky state capitol’s legislative session and become familiar with the process of how the state government functions. Organizers will also work to develop their leadership and event planning skills as they coordinate between presenters and lawmakers.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/1/246/30/24

Funding

  • Research!America: $1,300.00

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