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From Our Blog
- The Importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) When Examining Climate Change January 18, 2017
- Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon in 2016: the Lazy Dragon Woke Up December 14, 2016
- Graduate Students Organize to Promote Science-Informed Leadership in the New Executive Administration December 14, 2016
Latest News
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Join our new UCS Science Network LinkedIn group to stay in touch with fellow Science Network members and hear about special opportunities to get involved.
Watch the video of our latest webinar: The Role of Science in the New Political Era
Who we are
The UCS Science Network is an inclusive community of nearly 17,000 scientists, engineers, economists, public health specialists, and other experts across the country working to educate the public and inform decisions critical to our health, safety, and environment. The Science Network embraces the full diversity of scientists and their perspectives. Read more about diversity, inclusion, and equity in the Science Network.
Pollution Inspired Him to Act
"When I was six years old, I was sitting outside of my family’s apartment when this large tractor-trailer came roaring through our neighborhood. I saw the truck spew thick black smoke into the air, and I immediately wondered what it would feel like to breathe that smoke. I did not like what the answer was. From then on, I got the environmental preservation bug." Meet Richard, a UCS Science Network member combining engineering and policy to address environmental problems. Plus you can read the stories of 17 other Science Network members who have brought their expertise to policy makers, the public, and the media. Read more >
Join the Science Network
Become one of the thousands of experts who are helping UCS make a difference!
Who can join?
The UCS Science Network is intended for scientists, engineers, health professionals, and economists with (or working towards) an advanced degree. (Review the eligibility requirements.) If you don’t fall into any of those categories, and you want to help UCS make a difference, we encourage you to join the UCS Action Network.
Photo: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)/Flickr
Early career scientists
If your scientific career is just beginning, the Science Network offers opportunities to get involved, networking events on science and policy careers, and trainings to build your strength as a science communicator and advocate.
Learn more about opportunities for early career scientists>
Successes
Science Network members are using their expertise to make a difference—speaking to the media, delivering testimony, signing on to expert letters to elected officials, conducting research and environmental impact assessments, and serving on federal advisory committees. Here are some recent examples of Science Network members having a positive impact:
Win: Added-Sugar Labeling
In a victory for science and public health, the FDA issued a strong new rule requiring updated labeling of “added sugar” by manufacturers as well as listing the percentage of consumers’ daily recommended allowance that amount represents. UCS mobilized over 60,000 UCS members and concerned individuals, including more than 700 scientists and health experts, to support FDA’s proposal for a separate ‘Added Sugars’ line and a daily value in the Nutrition Facts label found on all food packages.
Progress: Increased Funding for Agroecology
A major increase in funding for agroecology through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative was not only included as part of the president’s budget for 2017, but was also approved by both the House and Senate Appropriation Committees. This came on the heels of an organized effort by UCS, including garnering over 350 agroecologist signers to a letter making the case for greater funding for the program, which would yield benefits for farmers, wildlife, and the environment.
Win: Renewable Energy Law in Oregon
In 2016, Oregon passed a new law phasing out coal by 2030 and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity to come from renewable energy by 2040. UCS supporters and Science Network members were critical players in this victory, sending almost 1500 emails and making over 100 phone calls to Oregon legislators; 25 Oregon climate scientists signed on to a letter in support of the bill as well.
Progress: Standing Up for the Clean Power Plan
Minnesota is moving forward with public engagement around the Clean Power Plan. UCS members have attended and testified at a majority of the listening sessions that the state has held. Ten UCS supporters, including two Science Network members, attended the Duluth Listening Session--many of them testifying to the great benefits of clean energy.
Resources
Workshops, videos, publications and other tools designed to help you be a more effective science advocate
Video Tips for Science Communicators
Help non-expert audiences get the science right by building relationships and sharing the facts.
Science Network Workshops
A series of webinars for Science Network members on effective science communication and advocacy. New workshops are scheduled regularly.
Learn more about Science Network Workshops >
Publications and Text Resources
A Scientist's Guide to Talking with the Media >
We wrote the book on communicating scientific information to journalists—and added a handy desk reference featuring tips from the book.
Science in an Age of Scrutiny >
A concise guidebook for scientists who find themselves the targets of harassment and personal attacks.
Tips and Tools for Science Communicators >
Practical advice for communicating with policymakers and media.
Science Communication Guide >
This communication-training document for scientists is designed to help you communicate your research to different audiences, and provides modules and a sample document to guide you through the process.
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