GSA Connects 2023 Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Description: Outdoor Afro is a national organization dedicated to reconnecting Black people and Black communities to nature. Join Outdoor Afro’s Pittsburgh chapter and fellow GSA members for a leisurely riverwalk and non-expert-level discussion of geoscience. Participants will meet at the East Lobby of the David L Lawrence Convention Center and then depart from there for a walk along the river. Participants will end the event at the East Lobby of the David L Lawrence Convention Center.
9:45 AM-11:30 AM

CSLDF attorneys are providing free, confidential meetings to scientists from all disciplines who have legal questions or concerns related to their work; these will be held in David L Lawrence Convention Center room 331 from 11 am to 5 pm ET on Monday, October 16. Zoom / phone consultations are also available. Use this link or email lawyer@csldf.org to make an appointment.

10:00 - 11:00am: Best Practices for Scientific Advocacy: Geologists and other scientists are increasingly using their expertise towards scientific advocacy. Whether it’s on behalf of climate change, environmental justice, or another issue of broad public or scientific concern, it is vital that scientists who are involved in advocacy or activism can do so safely and effectively.
 
In this session, the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) will discuss ways that geologists and other scientists can apply their expertise in advocacy efforts, both as scientists and as private citizens. Specifically, CSLDF will explain best practices for scientists to actively campaign for science-forward candidates of their choice, engage with Congress and the
Executive branch on public policy and lawmaking, participate as an expert witness in important litigation matters, and be involved in other forms of scientific activism and advocacy.  

CSLDF will also discuss how scientists can safely participate in these activities while minimizing the risk of negative repercussions in their professional lives.
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Given the need for more technological innovation in the geosciences to help achieve Net Zero and move to the new Green Economy and the growing challenges of climate and associated environmental change, increasing numbers of natural disasters, and the need to increase the resilience of communities impacted by these, the National Science Foundation is entering a new phase where use-inspired, translational, and transdisciplinary research is moving to the fore. To further this agenda, NSF and GEO have and are initiating new funding opportunities to encourage geoscientists to focus on research that quickly delivers results and impacts to society and the economy. These include programs that support collaboration with industry, local communities, and those in the medical/public health professions. Programs also include opportunities that help educate and support geo-entrepreneurs with a spectrum of programs that fund activities in customer discovery, prototyping, and commercialization. Come hear what’s new at NSF in these arenas, all of which move your ideas and research to greater impact and visibility of what you are doing.
12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Hosted by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
5:30 PM-8:00 PM