Science Advocacy

Last October I contributed an article to iPolitics on the troubled relationship between science and government, and how the current situation is new, but not that different from previous conflicts between scientists and politicians. John Dupuis amalgamated links to the entire series on his blog, and recently asked everyone who contributed to the series to fill out a biography. I've been studying and/or involved in the science advocacy community for some time, including attending the science history and science policy conferences, so I was more than happy to respond to John's questions. My comments, which I typed up over the break, came at the same time the government announced it was closing a number of science libraries, so the timing was unfortunately appropriate.

#Pearson50

On April 9th I attended the wonderful conference hosted by the newly renamed Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History entitled, "The Pearson Government: 50 Years On." This was probably the finest conference I have attended, because of the depth and breadth of insight offered by speakers, commentators, and audience. It was a rare and splendid opportunity, and I'm glad I was able to reschedule my other meetings to attend.

Nuclear Train and Operation Hurricane

Yesterday, 3 October 2012, was the 60th anniversary of Operation Hurricane, which was the first British test of an atomic bomb. Today, 4 October, is the 55th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik. We're also less than two weeks away from the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It is, in other words, a good time to remember how lucky we are to be here.

Canadian Science and Technology Association Conference 2011

Yes, that's right. Two blogs in one day. It's also true that I went to two conferences in a row in Ottawa. One of my co-panellists attended both, and we're of the opinion that we deserve some sort of award for enduring 5 consecutive days of conferencing, including giving presentations.

Here's my thoughts about the 2011 Canadian Science and Technology Historical Association's meeting.

Canadian Science Policy Conference 2011

Last week, in fact, one week ago today, I attended CSPC 2011 (Canadian Science Policy Conference). Before I forget everything that happened, I figure that I should write a short review of the conference - both its networking opportunities and the content.

Class Size, Funding and Sessional Instructors: Universities in Transition

Today's Globe and Mail includes an article by Jeffrey Simpson about the problems with universities these days. Simpson rehashes three common complaints about the university experience and then uses selective quotations from Robert Campbell, the president of the well-known research-intensive Mt A, and Harvey Weingarten to claim that universities are finally admitting to the problem.

Why You Should Vote

Why should you vote?

Bubble Chamber: What control should the state have over its science?

My contribution to The Bubble Chamber this month is this week's debatable:

Launched: The Bubble Chamber

One of the reasons I haven't been blogging much lately is that we have been getting a new group endeavour ready for launch.

Why Boffins and Cold Warriors?

What are Boffins and Cold Warriors and why would you pick that as a name for your blog?