As a member organization of the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies (CASS), three Early Career or Student SCAS members will be eligible to participate in an innovative science communication and policy training program: Scientists Promoting Policy, Access, Research, and Knowledge (SP²ARK). The SP²ARK program is supported by the NSF-funded The EVOLVED project that is building programming and infrastructure for CASS to broaden participation in aquatic sciences.
Program Overview: The SP²ARK Fellowship is a 6-month intensive training program from November 2024 to June 2025. It aims to build a diverse network of skilled science communicators among early-career members of CASS societies.
Key Details:
- Who: Early-career aquatic scientists (graduate students, Postdocs, and equivalent) who are members of any CASS society. While the policy training is US-specific, the tools covered are applicable globally, and we welcome applicants from all locations.
- When: Program runs from November 2024 to June 2025; applications due October 1, 2024, with notification by November 1, 2024.
- Where: Online, with regular monthly virtual sessions plus additional sessions for special topics throughout the year.
- Goal: To equip 30 SP²ARK Fellows with advanced science communication skills and build a network of early career CASS leaders.
Program Content: The SP²ARK program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering:
- Creating effective audience connections
- Developing strong narrative frameworks
- Handling challenging conversations
- Engaging with policy matters
- Media training
- Environmental justice issues
The Training Team: The program is led by a core team of four experts with backgrounds in government affairs, marine ecology, fisheries research, and aquatic invasive species management. Their combined expertise spans scientific research, policy, media, and creative science communication, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative training experience. There will also be featured guest speakers across the fellowship program.
Benefits for Participants and CASS:
- Develop practical skills in science communication
- Enhance ability to communicate science for policy impact
- Leadership development
- Strengthen networks within and across CASS societies
- Increase capacity for effective public engagement within our aquatic science community
To Apply:
- Applications open now through October 1, 2024
- Fill out the application form, including a personal statement and information about your interests and/or expertise within aquatic sciences
We believe SP²ARK aligns perfectly with CASS's mission to promote the importance and value of aquatic sciences. By investing in our early-career members' communication skills, we're strengthening the voice of aquatic sciences in public discourse and policy-making.
For more detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please contact: sp2ark.fellows@gmail.com
This opportunity is funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #2233789).
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