mary woolley, president and ceo research!america is the nation’s largest nonprofit public...
TRANSCRIPT
Mary Woolley, President and CEO
Research!America is the nation’s largest nonprofit public education and advocacy alliance whose goal is to make research to improve
health a higher national priority.
ACDP 2010
2010
http://www.researchamerica.org/
Dr. Karen Liller, Dean of Graduate Studies
USF
“…there is growing recognition that scientists need to take the lead in communicating their research findings and offering insight into the scientific process to community groups, business leaders, politicians and other decision makers.”
“These are the conduits for change who will influence or implement public policy. If we as researchers cannot frame our work with messages that are understandable and relevant, the policy decisions may be uninformed and we’ll all live with the consequences.”
• USF / Pfizer / Res. Am.
• USF sub-committee (3)
• Sought support of USF
leadership across campus• April-Oct 2011• $7,500 USF for
workshop• $700 filming• other costs covered
by other partners (Pfizer & Res!Am)
Science Advocacy Workshop (~1.5 hrs)Session 1
• Why Research Matters in Florida• Strategies for Successful Advocacy• Effective Communications• Engaging Elected Officials• Meetings-Letters-Phone Calls• Public Opinion Matters• The Influence of the Media
Science & Journalism Forum (~2 hrs)Session 2
Science Journalism’s Brave New WorldPanel 1
Sheril Kirshenbaum• research scientist (UT Austin, Center
for International Energy & Environmental Policy);
• science columnist Bloomberg View;• hosts blog, Culture of Science;• co-author, Unscientific America: How
Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future
Elie Dolgin, PhD (Genetics)• biomedical reporter, Nature Medicine;• former Assoc. Ed., The Scientist
magazine
Claudia Dreifus• “Conversation
with…”, The N.Y. Times science section
Charlotte Sutton• health & medicine editor,
St. Petersburg Times (Florida’s largest newspaper)
(Moderator) Irene Maher• health reporter, WFLA-TV, Tampa;
• health reporter, St. Petersburg Times• former host, Florida Matters, WUSF-TV
Selected Discussion PointsJournalism / Science Forum
• At a time when science and journalism have become increasingly complex, what are the implications for communicating science to the public?
• How is the changing face of journalism affecting public understanding of research?
• What makes research newsworthy?
• What challenges do journalists face when trying to report research results?
• Who are the most trustworthy spokespersons for science news?
• What can researchers do to communicate more effectively?
• What are some practical and effective strategies for improved communications between researchers and journalists?
• What are best practices for journalists and scientists to guide their presentation of complex information to the public?
• How can science and journalism work together to improve both science and media literacy?
• How can researchers develop a better understanding of the public—specifically the public’s interests and information needs?
Age Group Frequency Percent
18-24 89 11.6
25-34 126 16.4
35-54 295 38.3
55-69 174 22.6
70+ 85 11.1
total 769 100.0
Party Frequency Percent
Democrat 280 35
Republican 328 41
Independent 192 24
total 800 100
Ideology Recorded
Frequency Percent
Liberal 194 25.7
Moderate 232 30.8
Conservative 327 43.5
total 753 100.0
Education Frequency Percent
No College Degree
471 59.1
College Degree 326 40.9
total 797 100.0
http://www.researchamerica.org/uploads/2011FLAstatepoll.pdf
92%
79%
91%
If every American made a small cash donation…
In 2010, Americans spent$24.78 billion on gift cards
55,491 NIH Grants, or…National Cancer Institute for ~5 years
Which would fund
ACDP 2010
Science Advocacy Agenda, part 1USF
Science Advocacy Agenda, part 2USF