Скачать или смотреть Community Connections: Bringing Together Scientists and Local Voices

Excerpts from a town hall meeting convened by the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Houston, TX, September 26, 2015 as part of our "Community Connections" forum.

Whether it’s protection from chemical hazards, resilience to climate change impacts, or a food system that is accessible and affordable, communities across the country are working to improve health and safety. We can all benefit when all members of the community—scientists, policymakers, and residents alike—have access to the best available science and can break down barriers to shape decisions.

Our Lewis M. Branscomb Forum, "Community Connections," explored ways to overcome barriers to collaboration and make scientist engagement more effective. Participants learned about new ways for scientists, leaders, and citizens to work together, and left with strategies and tangible advice to develop (or improve) connections between scientists and communities.

The town hall in Houston, TX hosted a diverse audience of community groups, science organizations, technical specialists, citizens, and elected officials. Participants learned and shared stories from their own experiences of connecting science and community around a range of issues. The first half of the event took a broader look at what it means to connect communities and science. The second part focused on collaborations among Houston’s community and science experts to address local issues facing Houston.