COPUS convened its second Invitational Unconference April 12-14 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. Like the first unconference, this event brought together an eclectic and diverse group of science professionals and enthusiasts to discuss sciences' public interfaces.

By design, this conference was smaller than the 2012 event and there was a distinct mission: to capture the potential energy from the first year's event and turn it into a force that rallies the COPUS community.

The thirty-six attendees enjoyed the same shared conversations and sense of renewal that made COPUS I unique, but they also committed to building a framework through which we will facilitate collaborations, engage the broader scientific community, and create measurable impact in bringing science to the public. This event was a beginning rather than an end unto itself.

Another celebration of science is in the making, so stay tuned to hear more about what the COPUS Corps is building and how you can join us in our goals for 2015.

Press contact: Khadijah M. Britton, COPUS
617-997-3394, kmb@betterbio.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2013

Washington DC -- The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) today announced this year's winner of the second annual Paul Shin Award, honoring the unsung heroes of science communication and engagement.

The 2013 winner is Mónica I. Feliú-Mójer, Ph.D., Vice-director and News Editor for Ciencia Puerto Rico. For the past seven years, Mónica has dedicated 20-30 hours a week of unpaid work to Ciencia Puerto Rico (www.cienciapr.org), a non-profit grassroots organization that promotes science, research and scientific literacy in Puerto Rico, all while working toward (and obtaining) her PhD in neuroscience at Harvard University. Mónica explains: "I love the lab bench, but through Ciencia Puerto Rico I've realized that my true passion lies in outreach, communicating science and making it available to everyone."

Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, Ph.D. , Executive Director of Ciencia Puerto Rico, nominated Dr. Feliú-Mójer saying, "Mónica has enhanced science communication directly, through her writings and innovative education programs, but perhaps most importantly, through her example, she has empowered fellow scientists to get involved and do the same. "

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Feliú-Mójer said, "What I love most about Ciencia Puerto Rico is that everyone in the (mostly volunteer) group is equally passionate about making a difference. I am so excited to connect with people from across the United States that share that passion." Dr. Feliú-Mójer will attend the COPUS 2013 Invitational from April 12-14 in Monterey, CA, receiving a $500 cash prize and recognition plaque, while taking part in two days of science outreach networking and educational events.

Co-founder of COPUS, Judy Scotchmoor said, "The Paul Shin award is very special to us at COPUS. In the short time that we knew Paul, we were captivated by his energy and determination to make a difference in the world. The nominees for this year's award were fantastic, but Dr. Feliú-Mójer made an impression on us. Her tireless enthusiasm and commitment to sharing science to reach her community is exactly what we aspire to recognize through this award."

Learn more about the Paul Shin Award.

Download the press release in English or Spanish.

About COPUS

The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) is a grassroots effort to engage the public in science and increase public understanding of the nature of science and its value to society. What COPUS does is simple: create a network of peers that build community for science through promoting dialogue, building connections, and sharing ideas and resources. Learn more at http://www.copusproject.org.

About Ciencia Puerto Rico

Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science, research and science education in Puerto Rico and among Hispanics in the U.S. Through its online platform, CienciaPR brings together the geographically dispersed but emotionally connected Puerto Rican scientific community and leverages their collective knowledge and expertise for the promotion of science careers, education and public understanding of science. Learn more at www.cienciapr.org,

Press contact: Roger Harris, Harris Social Media
919 662 1618, roger@harrissocialmedia.com

February 10, 2012

Washington DC -- The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science today announced this year's winner of the Paul Shin Award - an annual award honoring individuals for their dedication to communicating science to the public.

The 2012 winner is William (Bill) Gomez, Docent at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve and Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. Bill was an executive with Syntex for many years and was fortunate to retire early at which point he turned his prodigious talents to teaching and volunteering with various ecology and environmental science groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. As a volunteer, his activities vary from speaking to a wide range of visitors about the ecology and biodiversity of the preserves, assisting with research projects, tidepooling for 3rd graders, scuba diving with marine biology students, to sharing science with students at a nearby alternative high school.

Cindy Wilber, Education Coordinator at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, nominated Mr. Gomez saying, "Bill's extraordinary work teaching science to the public in both formal and informal ways has contributed much to the public understanding of science and inspired thousands of learners." Stuart Koretz, a fellow docent at the preserve wrote, "His respect and love for the natural world, detailed knowledge of natural history, enthusiastic teaching style, modesty and openness make him one of the great unsung heroes: he works tirelessly, without compensation, out of a strong need to reach out and teach natural science."

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Gomez simply said, "I am deeply honored and overwhelmed." Mr. Gomez will attend the COPUS 2012 Invitational UnConference in March to receive a $500 cash prize and recognition plaque.

Co-founder of COPUS, Judy Scotchmoor of the University of California Museum of Paleontology said, "The Paul Shin award is very special to us at COPUS. In the short time that we knew Paul, we were captivated by his energy and determination to make a difference in the world. Bill Gomez has a similar dedication and passion for the public understanding of science and is a most worthy recipient of this award."

About the Paul Shin Award
The Paul Shin Memorial Award honors individuals for contributions to the public understanding of science. The award is managed and presented by the Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science.

About COPUS
The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) is a grassroots effort to engage the public in science and increase public understanding of the nature of science and its value to society. What COPUS does is simple - it creates a network of peers that build community for science through promoting dialogue, building connections, and sharing ideas and resources. http://www.copusproject.org

by Jen Collins

Creating new relationships with enthusiastic, creative, and highly engaged people, many of whom I would not have contact with otherwise, has been a highlight of my participation with COPUS. Never before have I been able to sit down with an MIT scientist, art and science professors, the Science Cheerleader, the head of geology for an entire state, a mom and a former shoe maker, a public media specialist, the two masterminds behind COPUS, and other people from equally diverse backgrounds to actively pursue ways to engage the public in science. The connections, new ideas, and energy that result from these interactions are astonishing.

Ocean connections and explorations is one of my cups of tea. Because of COPUS, I was empowered to coordinate and facilitate the development of the Year of Science Ocean/Water website and DC COPUS HUB Ocean/Water group. To have an excuse to contact professionals that do amazing aquatic education and outreach has broadened my knowledge of activities, and helped to forge some new collaborations and contacts.

Prior to COPUS, I did not always have a means for pursuing ideas outside the scope of my paid job. COPUS changed that. For example, when a casual conversation with a scientist sparked the idea of a public Species Naming Contest, COPUS provided the platform, encouragement, and non-monitory resources to pull it off. Three hundred submissions, and over 800 votes later, the Bonaire Banded Box Jellyfish was publically named and published in the literature. It was a thrilling experience to get so many people involved in the process of taxonomy and to pursue a novel idea.

Understanding COPUS took me awhile. I came to COPUS as a classroom teacher on maternity leave. Connecting to amazingly accomplished, bright, and motivated people can be a bit intimidating. But being part of COPUS is not about being part of a nationally recognized institution, or doing things that need to reach X number of people, or creating something large and complex. Being part of COPUS is about personal connections, expanding your horizons, and working within the scope of your own parameters. It feels good to know that there is such a diversity of people reaching a range of audiences in so many different ways. It makes me optimistic that we can raise the level of science understanding and appreciation.

So no matter who you are, if you have a passion for science communication, education, and/or outreach, COPUS is a network worth being a part of.

New Award Recognizes Individual Contributions to Public Understanding of Science, celebrates the life of Dr. Paul Shin

Press contact: Roger Harris, Harris Social Media
919 662 1618, roger@harrissocialmedia.com

March 28,2011

Berkeley - Dr. Paul Shin, a chemist and passionate science communicator was on the staff at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge. He was well-known for his contributions to science teaching and outreach, and was actively involved with education and outreach programs at the American Chemical Society. Paul posthumously received the "Twice a Citizen" award from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for his outstanding service as a Specialist Reserve Officer for the LAPD Hazardous Materials Unit.  He was a leading member of the COPUS coalition. Dr. Shin died after a brief battle with cancer in late 2010.

In recognition of his selfless contribution, COPUS has established this award to annually honor individuals who demonstrate a passion and commitment to communicating science to the public, and leading others to do the same.  The 2011 recipient of the award is Dr. Shin himself, bestowed upon his family in celebration of his life.

Each year the Paul Shin Memorial Award recipient will be recognized for dedication to communicating science to the public, whether in person, in print or online, or a combination. The award especially recognizes “unsung heroes” who have demonstrated commitment and passion to this effort. COPUS is particularly keen to recognize individuals for whom science communication may not be part of an everyday job, but who nevertheless give their time and energy to enhancing the public understanding of science. Individuals need not be affiliated with an institution.

The annual award will comprise a $500 unrestricted cash award with a plaque and letter of recognition from the COPUS leadership. In addition the recipients accomplishments will be celebrated on the COPUS Web site and announced by press release. Nominations will be accepted via webform on the COPUS website.

About COPUS

The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) is a grassroots effort to engage the public in science and increase public understanding of the nature of science and its value to society. What COPUS does is simple – it creates a network of peers that build community for science through promoting dialogue, building connections, and sharing ideas and resources. http://www.copusproject.org

Individuals and corporations are invited to honor the legacy of Dr. Paul Shin by contributing to the Paul Shin Memorial Award fund.  Click to learn more.

The Inaugural US Science and Engineering Festival took place from October 10-24th, 2010. The grand finale was a two-day Expo on the National Mall, held October 23-24, 2010. During this time, thousands of people traveled to the nation's capital to learn, explore, and celebrate science, technology, engineering and math.

There were over 500 interactive, hands-on exhibits exploring the science of renewable energy, robotics, endangered animals, medical mysteries and much, much more. Major academic centers, leading research institutes, government agencies, high-tech companies, museums and community organizations took part in the festival. Students of all ages could test their knowledge of science and engineering by visiting booths at one of the four festival locations throughout downtown DC. In addition to booths and exhibits, the festival showcased over 50 stage shows featuring science celebrities, rappers, musicians, magicians, and comedians. There was, quite literally, something for everyone!

The events did not occur only in the nation's capital, but also at more than 25 satellite events held across the nation. In Florida, one such satellite event was at Camp Bayou on October 24th, 2010, where people could learn more about several different citizen science programs in the area. This community festival helped connect the public with science and engineering, and also connected scientists with each other. In partnership with COPUS, the festival hosted an informal get-together Saturday evening to build connections between exhibitors. Many exhibitors had the opportunity to meet with one another and talk about their experiences at the festival, as well as what changes they would like to see within their respective fields in the future.

I had the opportunity to work both days at the American Institute of Biological Sciences booth on the National Mall conducting an activity that focused on the Chesapeake Bay Food Web. We were all expecting a large crowd but the turnout exceeded all of our expectations! We had an arts and crafts activity where people could use yarn, pipe cleaners, beads, crayons, and picture cut-outs to make a take-home food mobile of things you find in the Bay. It was great interacting with people and having discussions with people of all ages about the Bay and how we need to preserve it.

The festival was truly a success and I look forward to the next one. If you couldn't make it to DC, hopefully you will make it to a local festival taking place near you soon!

by Judy Scotchmoor

We are pleased to announce the receipt of an unrestricted gift in the amount of $25,000 from The Whitman Institute to support the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) project.

Being involved in COPUS has been an extraordinary experience, but it is not all that easy to explain - probably because it is so simple. It is all about connecting people and ideas and the common thread is sharing science.

The idea for COPUS began in 2006 at UCMP with an NSF-funded meeting of a small eclectic group of people all perturbed by a growing anti-science sentiment. Eventually it evolved into its current form and the Year of Science 2009, but even more importantly it initiated new relationships and collaborations, most of which do not advertise any formal connection to COPUS, so it is kind of hard to see all that COPUS has and continues to accomplish. For instance, here at Berkeley, several of us got together to decide how our campus could use the concept of the YoS09 to promote the depth and breadth of science that takes place on our campus - as a result, the Science@Cal initiative was born. Now, each Cal Day, science units on campus coordinate their efforts; we are planning a science festival on campus as a satellite event to the USA Science and Engineering Festival on October 23rd; and each month those of us involved in education and outreach get together for a brown bag lunch to discuss projects, share ideas, and learn from one another.

Locally, COPUS and the YoS09 also initiated a thematic approach to local science cafes, events at the California Academy of Sciences, and home page highlights on the website of Lawrence Berkeley Lab. But perhaps most importantly, COPUS initiated the emergence of Bay Area Science, a loose network of more than 100 science organizations in the Bay Area, sharing a common website and event calendar, interacting informally, and now working together toward a 2011 Bay Area Science Festival.

This COPUS "underground movement" has taken place in many different regions of the US - all sparked by connecting people and ideas. For those of you who have read The Starfish and the Spider by Brafman and Beckstrom, COPUS definitely follows the starfish model - there is no Director or CEO - those who are the most active (and that can be any body) influence the directions that COPUS will take, always striving for finding effective ways to engage the public in the wonders of science. It amazes me to realize the number of people that I now interact with because of COPUS - from an ex cheerleader for the Philadelphia '76ers now known as the Science Cheerleader, to a vibrant mom of two in Florida, a bioengineer at MIT, a chemist in Northridge who teaches science to cops, and a scientist who uses "science zines" to focus on science concepts for art students in Chicago. They are all part of my extended COPUS family and help me to see new ways to communicate about science.

Some people instantly "get it" and jump on board, easily finding a way through which they can gain and/or contribute to the efforts of COPUS. For others, it is less obvious. But we were amazed and delighted when we received support in 2008 from two foundations - the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and The Whitman Institute - thanks to two individuals, who "got it:" Soo Venkatesan, now a project manager for the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, and John Esterle, the Executive Director of The Whitman Institute. They each facilitated an investment in COPUS, recognizing the potential of such a unique grassroots effort. We are very grateful to both Soo and John and in particular to The Whitman Institute (TWI) for this recent gift. There is an elegant match between what COPUS is trying to do and TWI, which is a private foundation located in San Francisco, dedicated to promoting ways for people to develop their capacity to think critically.

A business should be part of the community - both receiving from and giving back to their customers and the communities they live in. Guardian Insurance is committed to the necessity of giving back, and in this spirit is supporting the Year of Science in 2009 project.

The Year of Science celebrates sciences from astronomy to zoology to help boost the level of public understanding of how science works. Each month during the year of celebration is focused on a specific theme that explains the process, methods and nature of the scientific method in different fields. In 2009, for example, monthly themes included "Sustainability and the Environment" and "Geosciences and the Planet Earth."

In the end, the Year of Science project hopes to inform people, and especially the young, as to why science matters and is important for improving our lives.

By supporting the Year of Science in 2009 project, Guardian Insurance hopes to improve the appreciation of the sciences and to encourage interest in scientific subjects among young people. By giving back to the community, everybody including Guardian Insurance benefits! For information on Guardian Life Insurance please visit guardianisurance.com.au.

Giving back to the community is a core value at Real Insurance. We believe that giving back should make a positive impact on the people that we serve, and the world in which we live.

One of the many ways we give back is to support initiatives that make an impact on the lives of students. We are also committed to leaving a positive footprint in the sustainability of our planet.

By supporting Year of Science 2009 we are fostering both of these ideals.

Helping students understand why science matters will make a difference in their lives and in the lives of future generations. The enthusiasm, creativity and knowledge of bright minds are crucial as we face the global changes in our environment. We want to be a part of helping students become excited about science! This excitement can lead them into important careers in a scientific field.

Each month The Year of Science introduces and theme that explores the wide variety of scientific fields. These diverse themes include "Sustainability and the Environment" and "Geosciences and the Planet Earth."

Real Insurance is a green company, and being part of The Year of Science is only one way that we demonstrate our commitment to global sustainability and ecological awareness. For information on Real Life Insurance please visit realinsurance.com.au.