Join the United States National Committee of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists
() for a webinar titled: Updating the Researcher’s Toolkit: Policy Engagement for a
Changing Funding Landscape.
Registration link: https://iarpc.zoom.us/meeting/register/X40IHELdRwmNs7c_r8votw#/registration
Background
Recent changes in the United States federal government's policy priorities have resulted in
substantial cuts to funding for government-funded scientific research. Uncertainties stemming
from reductions in research funding often delay the timely production of important research
deliverables required for researchers'; career retention and progression.
While scientists may have compelling stories backed by empirical evidence about how their
research products confer a competitive advantage on the United States economy, it can be hard to communicate with policymakers to ensure a sustained, long-term, favorable funding outcome.
This webinar brings together three experts with extensive experience advocating for and
communicating science and engaging with decision-makers at the highest levels in the United
States government for a panel discussion on Policy Engagement for a Changing Funding
Landscape.
Panelists
Liz Landau: With a background in Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography, Liz is currently the
Director of Science Policy and Government Relations at the American Geophysical Union in
Washington, DC. For the last 18 years, she has focused on empowering scientists at all levels to
work with policymakers by providing connections, tools, resources, and training that help them
feel prepared and excited to engage effectively with Science Policy. She has overseen the
creation of ’s Voices for Science program and numerous other events and programs
to support understanding between policymakers and scientists.
Allen Pope: Allen is a glaciologist and currently the Secretary-General of the International
Glaciological Society, , where he provides strategic leadership of the Society’s journals,
events, and member engagement. Before his new role at , Allen was a Program Manager
from 2020 to 2025 in the ’s Office of Polar Program and then Office of International Science
and Engineering, first directing the Polar Cyberinfrastructure program and then managing
science diplomacy with North American partners. In his role as the Executive Secretary of the
International Arctic Science Committee () in Akureyri, Iceland, he regularly engaged with
policymakers, business leaders, and international research funding agencies to advance ’s
mission of collaborative, interdisciplinary Arctic research.
Twila Moon: Twila specializes in connections across ice, ocean, climate, ecosystem, and society
in her multiple leadership roles at the University of Colorado’s Cooperative Institute for
Research in Environmental Sciences (), where she serves as the Deputy Lead Scientist at
the National Snow and Ice Data Center & Climate Science Engagement Lead, Center for
Education, Engagement and Evaluation. Twila is also a lead editor for the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration () Arctic Report Card, a flagship annual report. She had
leveraged these roles to improve knowledge exchange among researchers and to disseminate
climate science knowledge that inspires impactful solutions and strategies to address the urgency
of the climate crisis among policymakers, business leaders, and philanthropic communities.
Notably, Twila has testified for the US Congress. In recognition of her work, she was awarded
the coveted Molchanov Climate Communication Prize by the American Geophysical Union.
Expectations
It is expected that attendees will leave the training with an improved understanding of how best
to effectively engage with policymakers and share compelling stories of their research with a
view to maintaining or increasing research funding levels.