One of the interesting and controversial issues that we did not discuss very much during the past semester was the appropriate role of the scientist in advocating public policy positions. This is a complex issue because the decision is deeply personal; however, there are a range of alternative approaches that you may decide work best for you. At the very least the scientist is obligated to provide scientific information on policy relevant issues when information is requested. For some scientists this is as far as they are willing to go. At another extreme a scientist may evaluate the full range of policy options in light of scientific information and scientific uncertainty -- this is the full time job end of the spectrum. And it is nice if your employer is paying you to do it, but it may be double duty.
The highlighted article was published recently in BioScience. It reflects the reality of advocacy and discusses the roles that professional societies have played. I encourage you to read it as time permits and consider working with and through professional organizations who are often positions to assist in this role.
The position of a 10,000 - person organization will usually take on a more impressive weight than the position of one person.
Happy Holidays.
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