The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation is now accepting applications for the Young Voices of Science Program for the 2021 fall semester. The program is designed to prepare and empower science scholars to share their knowledge, concerns, and hopes for the future and provide a launch pad for public engagement.

What: FREE science communication training and real world practice for science scholars!
Who: Graduate and undergraduate students in environmental fields are eligible to apply
When: Series of seven Zoom workshops held on Thursdays, October 14th through December 2nd, 6:00 – 7:30 pm ET (not including Thanksgiving)
Where: Wherever you are, via Zoom!
Class size is limited – apply by October 3rd

Workshop leaders are experts in public engagement with science, creative writing, storytelling, and science-to-policy outreach. Class size is limited to 20 participants; we ask that participants commit to all seven trainings and design and carry out at least one outreach activity, with one-on-one support from the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation.

Program Overview

Young Voices of Science is a free seven-part training program designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students in environmental fields with effective methods for sharing their scientific work with non-technical audiences. Participants will attend a series of virtual workshops and practice sessions, led by expert science communication consultants, to prepare for public outreach, science storytelling, and engaging with policymakers.

To complete the program, participants must commit to attend all seven trainings (held Thursdays from 6:00 – 7:30 pm ET) and undertake at least one outreach activity, putting what they learn into practice. Hubbard Brook Research Foundation staff will help to identify and coordinate outreach opportunities. Outreach activities might include, but are not limited to: writing and submitting an op-ed to a local, regional, or national publication; participating in Hubbard Brook’s public science storytelling tradition; conducting an outreach presentation at a local science center; or participating in a science briefing for state or federal lawmakers. Participants will receive individualized support from a mentor throughout the process of planning and executing their chosen outreach activity. Check out previous YVoS outreach projects here.

Each participant will receive a digital portrait made by a student artist, for use in future outreach. By the end of each program series, high-quality training and communication resources will give participants a head-start in public engagement, early in their scientific careers.

Fall 2021 Workshops (10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2)

Program Introduction with Special Guests
The Art of Storytelling
How to Write an Op Ed
Engaging with Policymakers
Positive Framing around Climate Communications
Making an Impact on Social Media
Outreach Project Workshop

Detailed workshop schedule will be announced on October 6. Past workshop presenters include: David George Haskell, Ari Daniel, Earyn McGee, Chanel Matney, Jay Heinrichs, and Reyhaneh Maktoufi.

To apply

To apply for the Fall 2021 Young Voices of Science program, please fill out and submit the following Google Form by Sunday, October 3rd. Preference will be given to students who are available to attend all seven workshops. Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be notified about enrollment via email on October 6th.

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“This morning as I spoke, I felt such a resounding sense of passion and purpose — both for the science that I do and its potential to translate into profound policy solutions.” (YVoS participant referring to a briefing with a U.S. Senator)

“The material was great to be exposed to and be able to take moving forward, but I also really appreciated the community.”

“All of my expectations were met with this program. I learned more about science communication in this program than I ever have. It was awesome!”

“Over the last dozen years, I have been involved in about three hundred programs and events centered on science communication. YVoS stands out at the very top.” — Dr. David George Haskell, biologist, award-winning author, and YVoS Faculty

About the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation and Organizers

Established in 1993, the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF) delivers cutting-edge science to decision makers on the front lines of environmental change. We bridge the gaps between science and education, public policy, land management, corporate sustainability, and recreation. Our programs include roundtable dialogues and town hall events, policy-relevant briefings and bulletins, and communication training for students and early-career researchers. Against a backdrop of rapid environmental change, HBRF opens effective channels for action-oriented dialogue between citizens and scientists for smart policy and practice.

Organizers
Anthea Lavallee, HBRF Executive Director
Anthea has more than 20 years of experience as a science educator, communicator, and leader in the non-profit sector. She has served as education director, executive director, and development director across a range of environmental and social service organizations and believes that community, culture, and ecosystem health are deeply entwined. Anthea joined the Hubbard Brook team in 2012 and was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation in 2016. Working at the interface of Hubbard Brook science and society, Anthea combines her curiosity about the natural world with her passion for building community. Within Hubbard Brook and across its network of partners, Anthea works to create a culture of environmental awareness that is scholarly and practical, reality-based and creative.

Sarah Garlick, HBRF Director of Science Policy & Outreach
Sarah joined HBRF in 2013 and serves as the Director of Science Policy and Outreach. Her work involves developing and implementing innovative programs for science communication and public engagement. She is the Principal Investigator of HBRF’s National Science Foundation-funded project called “Embedding Public Engagement with Science at Long Term Ecological Research Sites.” Sarah is also a rock climber, geologist, science writer, and author of two books: Flakes, Jugs, and Splitters: A Rock Climber’s Guide to Geology, winner of the 2009 Banff Mountain Book Award, and the National Geographic Pocket Guide to Rocks and Minerals of North America, released in 2014.

Presented by the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation and with support from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust, Cotyledon Fund, and an anonymous foundation