Local Science Engagement Network Community

Good afternoon, LSEN Advocates,

We are excited to launch our five new regional LSEN communities and connecting with local scientists and engineers from around the country who are eager to create an impact. 

My name is Dan Barry, and I'm the Associate Director for LSEN Engagement, part of the Membership Team here at AAAS. LSEN's mission is to empower scientists and engineers to engage with their communities, elevating the visibility of and trust in science while building and satisfying the demand for scientific evidence that addresses needs, solves problems and informs state and local decision-making.

LSEN is building networks of STEMM students and professionals on the national and local levels. This week, we are launching state and regional networks based in Maine, Puerto Rico, North Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia. Led by LSEN Liaisons (you can meet our first cohort in the Library of this Community), these networks will foster peer networking and skills building that support engagement activities between scientists and local leaders.  

Our goal is to continue to identify, train, and support the local work of LSEN Liaisons in more states every year. That means that even if we don't have a Liaison leading a LSEN in your state today, we'll get there as soon as we can.  In the meantime, our skills-building resources, topical forums, and engagement activities will be made available to everyone who wants to get started in elevating the visibility of and trust in science! 

As we get started in forming our local and national networks and fulfilling the mission of LSEN, please take a moment to introduce yourself here and share some of the science-related topics and issues that are specific to your region, state, or community that you're interested in learning more about. LSEN is here to support your interests and priorities!

I look forward to reading your introductions, learning about your background and the topics that are important to you. Let's join forces and champion the cause of science in the places we care the most about – our communities!

Dan