The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Science Policy Group (MSSPG) was formed to serve as a platform to connect young researchers who are passionate about science policy and increase science awareness throughout the local community. We explore the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues that arise from biomedical progress and we advocate for science-informed policymaking, communication of science to the public, and the continued support of basic and clinical research.
Education
To fulfill our goal of educating young scientists about science policy, we have public seminars where invited speakers share their knowledge and expertise on various aspects of science policy. In addition, we keep our members updated on current science policy issues by holding monthly meetings where we informally discuss these and other important decisions made by governments both here in the United States and abroad in a journal club setting.
Professional Development
To increase the awareness of science policy as a career path, several seminars with invited speakers and panelists are scheduled during the year. These events are useful to discover additional careers that young scientists can pursue and to grow social networks.
Community
Science policy issues affect scientists and the general public alike. For this reason, we believe that it is important for the public to understand the value of research and the sciences. To achieve this goal, we will reach out to the community and educate them on the currently relevant topics surrounding a wide array of scientific disciplines. Through activities geared toward the non-scientific community, we hope to demonstrate why the research conducted at Mount Sinai and nationwide is important to the community at large. These activities will provide our members with valuable science communication and education experience in front of a general audience, which are vital skill sets for future career success. Finally, as scientists, it is our responsibility to increase a positive awareness of basic research throughout the world and elucidate that which is myth from scientific fact.
For more information or if you would like to become a member of the group, please contact Piyush Kumar at piyush.kumar@mssm.edu or ms.science.policy@gmail.com. For latest updates and upcoming events, please click on this weblink: https://webcommons.mssm.edu/pec/resources/mount-sinai-science-policy-group/