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The Institute for Science & Policy Awarded Grant to Engage Scientists with Policymakers
The fellowship grant will be used to connect scientists with state legislators, supporting informed and evidence-driven decision-making on critical science-related issues.
DENVER – The Institute for Science & Policy, a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is pleased to announce an award of a $100,000 grant from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Science Policy Fellowship Planning Grant Initiative, supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The award will support a Colorado science policy fellowship program that aims to provide legislators with direct access to scientists, beginning in November 2023.
Simultaneously, the program will build the capacity of scientists and engineers, empowering them to actively participate in policy discussions and public service. With this bi-directional approach, The Institute for Science & Policy aims to help the development of resilient, evidence-based policies while also creating robust engagement opportunities for scientists.
“In a world of increasing complex public policy challenges, it’s our goal at the Institute to enhance the interface between science and decision-making,” said Kristan Uhlenbrock, director of The Institute for Science & Policy. “This grant provides Colorado an amazing opportunity to find a way to increase access to scientific information and engagement with state elected officials.”
The application received bipartisan support from State Sens. Chris Hansen, a Democrat representing the 31st District, and Cleave Simpson, a Republican representing the 6th District, and institutional support from the Colorado Local Science Engagement Network, a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Available for interview:
- Kristan Uhlenbrock, Director of The Institute for Science & Policy
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About The National Conference of State Legislatures
NCSL represents the legislatures in the states, territories and commonwealths of the U.S. Its mission is to advance the effectiveness, independence and integrity of legislatures and to foster interstate cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information among legislatures. Learn more at ncsl.org.
About The Institute for Science & Policy
Established in 2018, the Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science elevates evidence-informed and data-driving thinking on societally relevant issues. The Institute is non-partisan and designed to work across divides to help solve our most complex statewide, national, and global challenges such as climate change, energy, public health, and more. The Institute’s overall objective is for science to become a second-nature consideration in public discourse and policymaking by providing resources and tools to facilitate productive conversations. Learn more at institute.dmns.org.
About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading resource for formal and informal science education. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Learn more at dmns.org