Find Your Voice

Learn how to make an impact with your science writing through a series of workshops on science advocacy focused on giving scientists the tools they need to effectively use their voice for the upcoming mid-term elections and beyond.

Most science research appears only in scientific journals where the readership is important but small and limited. However researchers who have the greatest impact often write both for professional colleagues and for the larger scientific community, the public, policy makers, and potential funders.

Opinion and story-based articles are among the most effective ways to reach wider audiences and have significant, real world impact.

“Now more than ever — whether it’s in everyday conversations with friends and family, or in lobbying government for support and funding — we need advocates for science,” states the event news release.

The first workshops happens at Mission Hall on Monday Sept. 24, when Dr. Louise Aronson, professor of geriatrics and director of the UCSF Northern California Geriatrics Education Center and UCSF Medical Humanities, will discuss her experience writing opinion pieces for the New York Times and NPR. She’ll also explain how you too can get started in writing an op-ed.

From 4 to 6 p.m. in MH room 1400, the first session will introduce the four main types of public articles – thought pieces, perspectives, narratives and op-eds. Attendees will dissect sample articles of each type highlighting the keys to their success and discuss how to determine the right article type, audience and approach for your research and career goals.

This series will provide information, tools and skills to better equip you to advocate for basic research, higher education, science funding, and scientific rigor in policy and decision making.

The series culminates in an op-ed writing contest. Writers can submit an op-ed to be eligible for a raffle with cash prizes. The event is co-sponsored by the Science Policy Group at UCSF, UCSF Office of Science Policy & Strategy, and UCSF Graduate Division.

The Science Policy Group at UCSF is a coalition of students and post-docs interested in learning more about how scientists can participate in the policy-making process to enhance the scientific research enterprise.

The group hosts speakers and workshops to facilitate conversation within the UCSF community on a variety of science policy issues and aim to provide opportunities and tool to scientists interested in building advocacy skills and engaging with science policy.