What is COPUS doing?
The overarching goal of COPUS is to empower individuals and institutions with a set of understandings that will allow them to appreciate the pragmatic outcomes of science, distinguish science from non-science, and participate in social discourse that depends upon insight into the nature of science to make informed decisions and address challenges. We recognize that the public sector is a diverse entity that cannot be characterized by a single set of descriptors and therefore cannot be positively engaged through a single effort or activity. To re-engage the public in science will take a concerted, collaborative, and multi-faceted set of programs and strategies taking place at local, regional, and national levels.
COPUS activities include:
Building connections among those interested in promoting the public understanding of science. This includes initiating and facilitating partnerships among and between interest groups to develop COPUS activities.
Creating regional hubs to serve as COPUS chapters through which local programs that engage multiple target audiences are identified and implemented.
Developing resources for use by the COPUS community, which include the Understanding Science website. This site will provide friendly and engaging materials geared for multiple audiences that clearly communicate how science works and its relevance to our lives.