What is the COPUS Invitational?

The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) actively promotes a culture that celebrates and embraces science and its values. COPUS is a grassroots network that connects individuals who are passionate about advancing the public understanding of science. In existence since 2006 and responsible for the highly successful Year of Science 2009, COPUS is now focusing on expanding its community for science by promoting dialogue, building connections, and sharing ideas and resources.

The leadership of COPUS, (known as the COPUS Core) is holding a science communication and networking "un-conference" at the Biosphere 2 facilities in Arizona, March 16-18, 2012. At this event, we will bring together an eclectic group of people, who have identified novel and innovative ways to bring science to the public. As our various disciplines often operate in isolated pockets, this meeting will provide an opportunity for participants to inspire and learn from one another, and celebrate their experiences with a broader community. COPUS has effectively been bringing energetic individuals together for these same purposes since 2006. Core members have brought science festivals, science cafes, science programs, national contests and activities, classroom resources, unique websites and much more to the general public. The relationships built through these experiences provide a new perspective on collaborative approaches to increase the public understanding of science.

The proposed event will be distinct from what traditionally occurs at science conferences. Rather than relying on pre-selected presentations at organized sessions, the focus will turn to evolving conversations initiated by those who are attending. This environment will allow for un-orchestrated conversations, increased networking around common interests, and a highly energized communication event. It provides opportunities for chance meetings, the sparking of new ideas, and the initiation of new collaborations.

The meeting will be primarily invitational. Each planning decision will be wrapped around the core values of the meeting, which are: building relationships; sharing ideas, expertise, and wisdom; and providing and gaining inspiration.

Meeting Outcomes

This meeting will:
1 - Strengthen and expand the COPUS network by creating new connections among attendees during and after the meeting.
2 - Create an architecture of engagement for future science convenings that cross domains of science outreach (informal, formal, academic, and corporate) that do not normally interact, but need to.
3 - Provide direction for future activities of the COPUS community by evaluating what is currently being done, identifying new needs, and building upon ongoing successes.
4 - Provide a new forum and recognition for those conducting public outreach.