On December 10, 2019, geoscientists and policy enthusiasts joined for a Science & Democracy happy hour in San Francisco, a public event that coincided with the American Geophysical Union’s 2019 Fall Meeting. The event was organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists along with ESAL and other partner organizations.

The MOST Policy Initiative connects Missouri scientists and policymakers during the development of new legislation. The initiative also runs the Missouri Science and Technology Policy Fellows Program, placing Ph.D.-level scientists in the Missouri General Assembly. Director Rachel Owen recently spoke to ESAL about MOST and its importance in Midwestern politics.

The Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) empowers the nation’s top researchers to harness their knowledge to inform policy at every level. Over 1,000 members in 49 states apply their expertise to real-world problems and use the SSN to connect with decision makers and have an impact in their communities.

Peter Colohan, an expert in environmental information, has spent his career helping institutions like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Office of Science and Technology Policy become data savvy. Today, as executive director of the Internet of Water (IoW), he and his team help local and state governments modernize their water data collection in an effort to safeguard and effectively manage one of the most vital resources to human civilization.

Our latest playbook guide aims to help you advocate for policies at the state level. We share ideas and tips for how to identify stakeholders and set up effective meetings to make your voice heard on issues you care about.

Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) generates original research on energy production and clean energy transitions with a focus on environmental justice. ESAL spoke with PSE's Elena Krieger to see how they empower community stakeholders to use science and data to create evidence-based policy.

After growing up in the West, Kristina Swallow, P.E. served as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Congressional Fellow and legislative staff member for New Mexico’s Senator Tom Udall. Today, she leads Nevada’s Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Henry (Hal) Cardwell, who earned a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has always been interested in systems. He recently finished a 3-year term as an elected school board official in the City of Alexandria, VA, applying this interest to a school district with 15,000 students.

Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.