About

What is SciPAC at the University of Delaware?

The Science Policy Advocacy Coalition (SciPAC) at UD is a student-led nonpartisan organization that brings together graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and community members interested in science policy and diplomacy. Our mission is to equip early-career scientists with the skills and opportunities to communicate science effectively, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, advocate for evidence-based policy, and explore careers in science policy.

What does SciPAC do?

(1) Educational & Skill-Building: Workshops, lectures, and panels on science policy, advocacy, and diplomacy, along with sessions on policy writing and public speaking.

(2) Networking & Community Building: Events with peers and professionals, collaborations with regional student groups (e.g., UPenn, JHU, UMD), and travel grants for students to attend or present at the AAAS Annual Meeting,

(3) Policy Engagement & Field Exposure: trips to foreign embassies in Washington D.C. for panel discussions on science-related challenges, congressional visits and meetings with lawmakers (local, state, or federal), and opportunities to write and publish policy writing in journals like the Journal of Science Policy and Governance and op-eds in local newspapers such as Mulderrig: Science is a marathon, not a sprint written by a recent UD alum.

What is Science Policy?

Science policy involves both policy for science—the decisions that shape how research is funded, organized, and supported—and science for policy—the use of scientific evidence to inform and guide policymaking.

For example, federal grants from agencies like the NSF represent policy for science, while climate models that inform environmental legislation exemplify science for policy.

What is Science Advocacy?

Science advocacy involves promoting the value of science and ensuring that research and evidence inform public policy.

This can take the form of scientists meeting with legislators to discuss funding priorities, writing op-eds to explain emerging research, or participating in events like the March for Science.

What is Science Diplomacy?

Science diplomacy uses scientific collaboration to strengthen international relationships and address shared global challenges.

For instance, partnerships like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and international space missions (e.g., the International Space Station) bring together scientists and policymakers from around the world to advance knowledge while promoting peace and cooperation.

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