Meeting Aline McNaull amcnaullaiporg Working with Congress What can physicists bring to the table Physicists and Congress Communicate Differently 2 By cartoonist Sidney Harris American Scientist ID: 494611
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SPS and AAPT Southeastern Pennsylvania Section Joint MeetingAline McNaullamcnaull@aip.org
Working with Congress:
What can physicists bring to the table?Slide2
Physicists and Congress Communicate Differently2
By cartoonist Sidney Harris
American ScientistSlide3
Members of Congress Have Questions About the Scientific ProcessThe outcomes of scientific research are unpredictable
The value of a particular research project is rarely immediately apparent
Investments in science do not pay off within one election cycle
Job creation that results from innovation is long-term and not always easily quantifiable
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There Are Cultural Differences Between Physicists and PoliticiansPhysics
Numbers
Objectives and facts
Hate to make promises
Quantitative
Technical
Problem seekers – focus on process
Seek to define “why”
Money = research
Long term planning and thinking
Science journals
Specialists
Politicians
WordsSubjective interpretation of factsLike to make promisesQualitativePoliticalProblem seekers – focus on issueAsk why it is importantMoney = getting re-electedShort term planning and thinkingFront page newspapersGeneralists
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Politicians are Driven by the News Cycle
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“science news cycle”
published 5/18/2009
Piled Higher and Deeper
Jorge ChanSlide6
The Legislative Process is Complex“Understanding the process by which a bill becomes a law requires no astrophysics. But understanding the system by which a bill becomes a law requires about the same amount of patience as the study of this technical science.”
-- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Government
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Words Are Defined Differently in Physics Than in Politics7
“duplication”
“Oh great! My results are reproducible and it wasn’t just a glitch in equipment!”
“Why are we spending money on the same thing twice?”
“basic research”
“the fundamental research that is just performed
for the sake of learning something about science”
“Why
aren’t you working on advanced research”
“almost certain”
“It’s publishable”
“Scientists
still
have a lot of questions”Slide8
What Are Current Topics Under Discussion in Congress and the Executive Branch?
High-skilled immigrations for those with degrees in science, engineering, technology and mathematics
How should the federal government organize its science and engineering education resources?
Social Science Funding at the National Science Foundation
High Quality Research Act
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There Have Been Positive Outcomes From Science Advocacy EffortsIncreased support and understanding of basic researchGRANT Act
Helium Issues
Critical Elements
STEM Teacher Corps
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How Laws are Made10Slide11
There Are Many Factors That Influence Political DecisionsAll politics are local – what are the concerns of the constituents?Which group is presenting an idea?Influence of the news – timing issues
What are you willing to compromise?
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How to Have an Effective MeetingUse resources to figure out the “science topic of the day”Call the office and ask their process for scheduling a meeting
When setting up a meeting, include your name, organization, times you are available, and what issues you would like to discuss
Be prompt! Be precise! Be courteous!
Have an “ask”
Bring a hand out and/or be able to email them information about what issue you are there to discuss
Follow up with a thank you!
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How to Navigate Discussions with PoliticiansAll politics truly are local!Demonstrate your interest in your research without discussing the specifics of your problem set or any technical equations
Know when to talk
Know who to talk to
Use science societies as resources!
Build a relationship with your Member of Congress
Of trust
That is mutually beneficial
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Science Policy ResourcesAmerican Institute of Physics - FYIwww.aip.org/
gov
American Physical Society – Physics Frontline
www.aps.org
/policy
American Geophysical Union – Science Policy Alert
www.agu.org
/
sci_pol
The Optical Society – Washington Updates
www.osa.org
/en-us/about_osa
/public_policy/American Astronomical Society
http://aas.org/policyAmerican Association of Universitieshttp://www.aau.edu/policy/AAAShttp://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/
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Thank YouAline McNaullamcnaull@aip.org
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