Science Advocacy: Identifying the relationship between

scientist and government

Haung (Ho) Yu, Columbia University Member - Government and Public Affairs Committee

Society for Neuroscience Founder – braiNY, Greater NYC SfN Chapter

What is Advocacy and Science Policy Lobbying vs Advocacy lobbying – crafting specific legislation alongside elected officials Advocacy – championing the cause of STEM, promotion of science and promotion of funding

VS

Why should we advocate for science

Funding for research Disease and Patient awareness Education and Training Public Support for Science Public Education / Information Source

Why should we advocate for science

Scientists: Have you ever engaged an elected official to discuss your research or local impact of funding? Have you ever held a public forum on your research and relationship to disease? (consider your research in context of bigger picture) Public Audience: Have you ever sought out information from a scientist? Have you ever attended a seminar held by scientists discussing research & impact on diseases?

Accentuate where your research is going and how even failures are learning points for research Highlight success stories where funding has been successful Highlight research in Ireland

SFI: Ireland is now 11th in global scientific ranking for the overall quality of scientific research (Thomson Reuters/Clarivate InCites). Ireland broke into the top ten for a period in 2016-2017 Also consider www.elsevier.com/connect/new-report-maps-the-landscape-of-global-brain-research

Why and how to promote research

Government priorities evolve and it is important to be ensure science funding is maintained or increased e.g., Dementia Initiatives for funding in other countries – DRI (UK), NIH-NAPA (USA), CCNA (CANADA),

Public awareness for the role of science in society is important to our efforts

Provide evidence based facts to support impact of science

Employment Economic impact of research to community vs impact of health care for

those with diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Health benefits of scientific discovery Impact on aging population, esp as there are no known cures – emphasis on prevention How is Ireland a world-leader or can be Information resource pages

Biggest Issue and Discussion Point – Prioritizing research funding given the impact on society

Why and how to promote research

• Toughest part may be getting an appointment – use network to connect with public official’s office

• Knowing your audience

– applies to all speaking engagements

• What is interesting to an official

• Community first

• Measurable impact in community

• Appealing to personal missions of official

• Placing science as a priority

• Funding in community

• links to economic impact

• recent findings from research in community

• Local events and outreach

• Maintaining the intellectual capital locally

Engaging with Public office: What to do?

Engaging with Public office: What to gather

Evidence-based information Funding in District Events in Community Contributions to community (health and information)

Engaging with Public office: Partners in the Community

Empathy Compassion Understanding/Listening

Evidence-based Facts Knowledge and resource Impact on Community and Society

Engaging with Public office: How to Connect

Goals and Expectations for meetings

Structure of Meeting Introductions State why you are there Asks – funding goals Provide Information on research Discussion Wrapping up and next steps

Gauging impact of engagement

Followup

Offer to act as a science liaison

Lab visit or continual dialog – becoming partners in research funding

Be sure to thank for visit and for important votes