Sunday, February 17, 2013
Auditorium/Exhibit Hall C (Hynes Convention Center)
Scientific issues like energy, climate, biotechnology, global health, and nanotechnology affect scientists and non-scientists alike, but a gap can exist between academia and the public. The Forum on Science Ethics and Policy (FOSEP) strives to highlight the impact of science on society, through events inside and outside of the university setting. The University of Washington’s FOSEP chapter is a graduate student and postdoctoral run organization that promotes multidisciplinary interaction among scholars in Seattle and strives to increase awareness for how scientific and non-scientific knowledge affects policy decisions. FOSEP-Seattle sponsors seminars, discussion groups, public forums, book clubs and social media on the web to encourage the development of citizen-scientists who can participate effectively in public discussion about science. Events sponsored by FOSEP-Seattle over the past year include a seminar with the Democratic Staff Director for the House Research and Science Education Subcommittee about policy for science and science for policy, a seminar with analysts from the Union of Concerned Scientists regarding renewable energy, and a book club discussion based on science communication. Here, we discuss the role of FOSEP-Seattle in contributing to dialogue among the scientific community, and in providing graduate students/post doctoral scholars with outlets to explore their interests at the intersection of science and policy. Further, we discuss the trials and tribulations of making an impact in a large-university setting, and effectively engaging our members. FOSEP continues to be an exciting and rewarding outlet for developing leadership skills for its graduate student and postdoctoral members, and through our efforts, we hope to continue to positively impact our Seattle community.