WIKIMEDIA, KRASSOTKINGiven instances in which the current administration has opposed facts—scientific or otherwise—and ongoing assaults on science, next month’s March for Science is a worthy first step toward getting those who care about research and American innovation engaged and ready to act. However, what’s most crucial will be what happens after the event.
Going forward, we must continue to find tangible ways to push for science’s inclusion in the policymaking process. There’s no single prescription to stay involved, so I’ll outline a few suggestions here and encourage readers get creative.
As a former congressional staffer, I know that concrete efforts, such as making the rounds on Capitol Hill in person to meet with representatives, really matter. If you can, take a few days to visit Senate and House offices to outline why the issues most important to you depend upon incorporating the best available science into legislation. When you meet with staffers, it’s vital that you don’t lose their attention by talking about p-values and statistics. Instead, remember to make clear arguments related to the economy, national security, ...
