Promoting dialogue among scholars, policy experts, and the public about the role of science in society

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• Newsletter Submissions
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Become a member of FOSEP

Click here to sign up online!

Who are we?

FOSEP is a multidisciplinary organization founded and directed by University of Washington graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with shared interest in learning more about the intersection of science and society. Our mission is to increase dialogue about the role of science in society both within the academic community and between scientists and the public. In addition to maintaining this website, we plan large public forums, academic seminars on campus, and small issue-oriented discussion groups and community outreach programs that cover topics as far ranging as science itself. We are hosted by the Office of Research at the University of Washington and supported by numerous departments and programs at UW and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

What is a FOSEP general member?

FOSEP is currently organized into committees that oversee planning of our ongoing regular events. We have created a new membership category - general member - to welcome any student or postdoctoral fellow who is interested in science in society/science policy/science ethics to join FOSEP in a flexible capacity. We will look to our members for help in planning or to offer ideas for new or regular events. Vacancies on our planning committees will be filled by FOSEP general members.

Who is eligible to become a FOSEP general member?

University of Washington students (graduate, professional, and undergraduate) and postdoctoral fellows (at UW or affiliated institutions such as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center). Scholars from all fields are welcome. Currently, a majority of our members are natural scientists. Thus, we are particularly excited to welcome members from underrepresented fields in the physical, social sciences, and humanities.

What opportunities are available to FOSEP general members?

Those of us that have been a part of FOSEP for a while have realized that intangible benefits of FOSEP membership include interdisciplinary education and interaction, camaraderie with other citizen scientists, and the sense that our events help both the scientific community and the public. Other tangible opportunities include:

• Attend FOSEP events - In addition to large FOSEP events, we will invite you to attend small members-only discussion groups, social events, and quarterly business meetings.
• Professional development opportunities - We provide many opportunities to develop skills in leadership, communication, management, and more. No matter what direction your professional life may turn, we are sure that these skills will come in handy!
• Networking opportunities - We invite our members to meet visiting speakers and community and university leaders.
• Community outreach - We have opportunities for scientists and others to speak with community groups, policy makers, teachers, and students.
• Assist with FOSEP events - We will look to our members for topic ideas, connections with local and national experts, and help with event-related tasks.
• Plan special events - We will occasionally ask for volunteers to participate in special project groups that might address a certain issue or plan a special event.
• Share your knowledge and explore your interests - FOSEP members are encouraged to participate in both live discussions and our online discussion boards. We also invite you to lead an informal discussion or invite an expert to lead a FOSEP discussion on a topic of particular interest to you. Finally, we encourage members to create a web topic page that presents which will be featured on our website. (No web design experience required!)

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What responsibilities do you have as a FOSEP general member?

None, really! We hope that you will attend FOSEP events, spread the word about FOSEP in your department, and volunteer some of your time or expertise to special projects as you are able.

If you are interested in joining FOSEP, please complete the following information for our membership database.You will receive periodic emails from FOSEP to notify you of events and opportunities.

Project Teams

We welcome all FOSEP members to share their expertise, energy, and ideas by joining or creating a project team. Our goal is to provide enough support (financial, logistical, etc) to help you succeed while allowing motivated members to take leadership positions. Following steps listed below will help you start up a project team.

• Use the "members' board" to share your ideas for projects and to gather a team. Even if you're not interested in leading the project, maybe someone will like the idea! See the project teams info sheet for more information.
• The directors will also share feedback and ideas via the members board. We also encourage you to email us at the early planning stages for input on resources, contacts, and project management.
• Work with your project team to complete the application.
• Once accepted, we will create a discussion board and email address for your team and will acknowledge your team on our website. We can also provide web space.
• We will have quarterly meetings with committee/project leaders and directors to share our progress and get input from others.

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Documents and Forms

Here you will find important forms and documents for routine FOSEP business

To get reimbursed for FOSEP-related expenses, please fill out an invoice voucer Invoice Voucher . Fill out your contact information and a description of the expense, including $ amount. The check will be sent to the address you provide on the form. Don't forget to sign the form! Don't worry about the accounting details, we will complete those for you. Make a copy of the completed form and any receipts. Send the originals to the FOSEP treasurer at the FOSEP box (Box 357120). Keep the copies until you've been reimbursed. It might take a few weeks until you get the check.

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Suggested Reading

"Winning Greater Influence for Science" by Daniel Yankelovich inspired the directors when formulating FOSEP's mission and goals.

The Civic Scientist and Science Policy - by Neal Lane, former director of NSF. Part of FOSEP's mission is to foster "civic scientists". Dr. Lane coined this term and says in this essay, "To engage in dialogue is to listen as well as to speak. While there is great need for the public to have a better understanding of science, and we should promote this in every way possible, there is as great a need for scientists to have a better understanding of the public".

"Harnessing Science to Benefit Society", by Michael Crow, is also an excellent essay about why we need (good) science policy and how we might improve the current system.

Where Science Meets Society , by Alan Leshner, CEO of AAAS. Diplomacy and discussion needed in talks about how science shapes society and how society shapes science.

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Conferences, Classes and Fellowships