The Climate Science Legal Defense Fund leads and participates in a variety of events for scientists and the public throughout the year. These range from workshops and webinars for researchers to help them understand their legal rights and responsibilities to presentations about attacks on science and scientists.
We hold events at many scientific conferences, including the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting, and we often collaborate with organizations such as 500 Women Scientists and the ACLU.
Please contact us if you’d like us to hold a training or workshop for scientists at your organization or to request that one of our attorneys speak at your event.
Find Us at Upcoming Scientific Conferences
American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting, January 12–16, 2020
Town Hall: Advocating for Science as an Expert or as a Citizen
Thursday, January 16 from 12:15–1:15 p.m. Boston Convention and Exhibition Center – 152.
A growing number of U.S. scientists are participating in science-related advocacy and activism. Doing so requires skills and knowledge that should be part of every researcher’s professional development: Knowing how to communicate your research to non-experts, how to convey credibility and confidence, and having an awareness of how your work might end up in political crosshairs. In this town hall, attendees will learn these skills, as well as how they can safely and effectively serve as expert witnesses, discuss issues with members of Congress, and participate in the federal public comment process for proposed rulemaking. A primary focus will be on why and how scientists should separate personal advocacy and activism from their professional role. We’ll also discuss how federally-funded scientists can be politically active without violating anti-lobbying laws, and use a variety of avenues to promote evidence-based policies in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
Free Legal Consultations
Wednesday, January 15, 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 16, 1:30–5:00 p.m.
Westin Hotel, Executive Boardroom
In recent years, many scientists have found themselves involved in legal discussions about their work, their correspondence, and their public statements. To help the scientific community prepare for these challenges, researchers attending AMS can request a free, confidential meeting with an attorney from the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund. These brief consultations will allow you to ask legal questions that pertain to your scientific work. Appointments are available in 30-minute time slots on Wednesday, January 15 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. and Thursday, January 16 from 1:30–5:00 p.m. Email lawyer@csldf.org to make an appointment. We encourage you to book in advance, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Ocean Sciences Meeting, February 16–21, 2020
Poster: Engaging with Policymakers in the Three Branches of Government
Tuesday, February 18 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in Poster Hall C–D
When federal agencies seek to adopt new regulations, they must open the proposed rule to public comment so that people can weigh in on regulations that affect them. Citizens are also encouraged to petition Congress regarding proposed measures. Simultaneously, the court system relies on expert witnesses to explain complicated technical issues to judges and juries. In this session, we’ll discuss ways in which scientists can safely and effectively participate in these important processes in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Both scientists and non-scientists have multiple avenues to promote evidence-based policies, and we will provide tips and guidelines for how to do so.