Laurentian University’s Science Communication Program, offered in partnership with Science North, is the 2018 recipient of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science’s William Edmond Logan Award, recognizing excellence in promoting the public understanding of science by a Canadian organization.
The announcement was made in Ottawa earlier this month during the 10th annual Canadian Science Policy Conference.
Laurentian’s Science Communication Program is unique in Canada. It provides science graduates with the training to transform scientific information into accessible and understandable knowledge for the public. Many scientists recognize the value of doing outreach, but not all are naturally skilled at it.
This program fosters those skills, delivering a multidisciplinary experience that covers the theory underlying good communication, as well as the practical challenges of effectively communicating science and the issues involving science in society.
Graduates of Laurentian University’s Science Communication Program are working in various fields all across Canada and in other parts of the world, including at Science North, the program’s partner.
According to Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier, Chair of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science: “These graduates are taking science communication in this country to new heights, helping Canadians of all ages recognize, understand and appreciate science in the world around them. We believe that this is key to fostering a strong science culture in Canada.”
“Trends in science research, industry, and public policy have prompted a need for trained people in this rapidly growing field,” said Chantal Barriault, director of the science communication graduate program.
“Laurentian’s graduates are specialists in communicating the work of leading researchers and scientists to diverse audiences, from young children to politicians. We are incredibly honoured to receive this award."
“This is great news and a well-earned recognition for a very creative and hardworking team,” said Laurentian interim president Pierre Zundel.
“Laurentian is proud to be a pioneer in its rapidly growing field and I want to recognize the essential contribution of our partner, Science North, in the delivery of the program.”
“Our core purpose at Science North is to inspire people of all ages to be engaged with the science in the world around them,” said Science North CEO Guy Labine.
“It's communicating science in a way that people can understand and enjoy. When the Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program, was launched in partnership with Laurentian University, we saw it as a natural extension of what we do every day at our science centres.
“This award celebrates a great partnership between two institutions and reinforces the importance of the Science Communication Program and how graduates of this program can have a real impact on our understanding and comprehension of science today.”
