Science doesn’t usually get a lot of attention during elections, and we think that needs to change. That’s why we’ve collaborated with Evidence for Democracy and the Science & Policy Exchange to launch #VoteScience – a national, non-partisan campaign to mobilize Canadians (especially scientists) to advocate for science during the federal election, and empower Canadians with the tools they need to do so.
Want to get involved with the Vote Science campaign on a local level?
TSPN will be hosting a local launch event on Tuesday August 27th, with a panel commentary, question period and time for discussion and networking. Come out to learn more about #VoteScience and how you can engage in this campaign!
Register for this free event HERE!
We’re excited to announce our panelists:
- Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto), who will be speaking on “Unfinished Business: Advancing Canadian Science“
- Dr. Amanda Veri (Research Associate, University of Toronto), who will be speaking on “Exploring new waters: how to dive into science advocacy“
- Dr. Imogen R. Coe (Professor, Ryerson University), who will be speaking on “Meet a politician, change the world…“
This event is made possible through funding from U of T’s ChemClub and the UTGSU.
By registering and/or attending this event you agree to follow and observe TSPN’s Code of Conduct.
Schedule:
5:15-5:30pm Registration
5:30-5:45pm Welcome, Campaign Introduction
5:45-6:15pm Panel commentary (where our three speakers have 10 mins each)
6:15-6:50pm Question period
6:50-7:00pm Closing remarks, action steps
7:00-7:30pm Networking, discussion – and a chance to take part in the Vote Science campaign!
Speaker Bios:
Dr. David Naylor:
Naylor is Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto where he served earlier as President (2005-13) and Dean of Medicine (1999-2005). Founding CEO of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (1991-98), Naylor has co-authored approximately 300 publications, spanning clinical research, public policy, epidemiology and biostatistics, and health service delivery. He has chaired federal panels reviewing public health (2003), healthcare innovation (2014-15), and extramural support for fundamental research (2016-17). Naylor’s honours include fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and US Academy of Medicine. He is a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and Officer of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Imogen R. Coe:
Dr. Imogen R. Coe was the founding dean of the Faculty of Science from 2012 to 2018 and is a professor of Chemistry and Biology at Ryerson University. She is also an affiliate scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, where her research group studies drug transport proteins. She is the Vice-President of the Canadian Molecular Biosciences Society and sits on various boards, including the Michael Garron Hospital and the Canadian Mining Innovation Council. In addition to her work as a research scientist, Dr. Coe is internationally recognized as a Canadian thought leader in the area of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). She has advised academia, government and industry on best practices and approaches to improve EDI and has contributed to national dialogue about these issues through various platforms. She is much in demand as a speaker and panelist and has received numerous awards for her advocacy work.
Dr. Amanda Veri:
Amanda Veri is a microbiologist and a recent PhD graduate who works as a Research Associate in Dr. Leah Cowen’s lab at the University of Toronto. In this role, she helps support research programs studying the mechanisms regulating fungal virulence. In her free time she enjoys engaging in science communication and outreach, sharing her love of microbiology by hosting workshops on how to crochet microbes and giving lectures on how microbes cause zombies. Only days after the Ontario PC party came into power, they announced the firing of the Ontario Chief Scientist, Dr. Molly Shoichet. Disheartened by the news, she took part in an Evidence for Democracy campaign and contacted her local MPP, Stephen Lecce, to voice her concern. With the help of her fungal cells and Twitter, she was able to arrange a fun and educational lab visit with her MPP to advocate for science in Ontario.
FAQs:
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The closest subway stop is Queen’s Park Station, which is a three minute walk from the Medical Sciences Building.
What accessibility accomodations are available?
Our event will feature live captioning, and live streaming. It will be available on the TSPN YouTube channel following the event.
The main entrance to the Medical Science Building are the large doors reachable via outdoor stairs – this entrance is clearly visible from the King’s Circle. Both the main and back entrance feature a wheelchair accessible ramp, handrails on the stairwell and ramp, and an accessible entrance (i.e. power double doors with large push plates). There are washrooms available on every floor of the building.
Please contact us at to.scipolicynetwork@gmail.com with requests, and we will work to ensure your experience is a comfortable one.
Code of Conduct
TSPN is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any TSPN activities, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter, and other online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or asked to leave the event at the discretion of the conference organisers.
This code of conduct was adapted from the confcodeofconduct.com
How can I contact the organizer with any questions or concerns?
Please feel free to contact us via email at to.scipolicynetwork@gmail.comor message us on any of our social media platforms (@TOSciPolicyNet).
For more details about TSPN and other upcoming events or to sign up for our mailing list please visit: toscipolicynet.ca.
Toronto Science Policy Network 