APECS Webinars

APECS Canada, in collaboration with the Air and Waste Management Association, is launching their Science & Policy webinar series this March, 2014 in honour of Polar Week. The bridge between science and policy is a growing focus in our society. Early career researchers are often asked to frame their science in a policy-relevant format but are not equipped with the knowledge or tools they need to effectively accomplish this. This webinar series aims to ignite conversation about this important subject. Our first webinar will be on the role of “science in policy”. Increasingly, scientists are asked to enter the policy arena, but is there a role for science in policy? If so what is it? And how can scientists use their skills and knowledge to influence and inform policy makers? We will start the discussion by having two invited speakers make some comments about how they use science within their roles as policy makers. Then we will open the floor to participant questions. 1) Diane Freeman, who has over 20 years of environmental engineering background, will discuss her perspective as an engineer working in municipal politics. Diane believes there is a role for scientists in the policy arena. She has found her training in science and engineering has given her a unique set of tools that have helped her in her tasks as a municipal Councillor. 2) Harry Borlase, an APECS member, works for the Nunatsiavut Government and has ran in Labrador's Federal by-elections in May 2013. Harry will comment about his use of science during his political candidacy. Harry will also shed light on how science and scientists can influence political parties.