Science Policy at #ESA2025: Policy-oriented sessions and other events at the Annual Meeting

Posted by on July 9, 2025

Heading to the 2025 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting in Baltimore? If you’re interested in the intersection of science and policy, you won’t want to miss the exciting lineup of events focused on policymaking, communication and real-world impact. Several of these sessions are organized by ESA’s Public Affairs staff and the Public Affairs Committee. They offer valuable opportunities to engage with policy professionals, sharpen your communication skills and explore pathways to get involved in environmental decision-making.

ESA Public Affairs Office/Public Affairs Committee Events

  • Monday, August 11, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: How to Participate in Public Policy and Communicate with Congress (Workshop)
    Science-based policy decisions are informed by effective communicators who engage in public policy at the federal, state, and local level. How the process works may seem overly complex, leading to the myth that citizens are powerless in the face of special interests and partisan politics—but, nothing is farther from the truth. Attend this workshop to learn the ins and outs of working with Congress. This hands-on session will provide participants with an overview of virtual and in person national-level opportunities to participate in public policy, from weighing in on congressional legislation to advocating for federal funding for research. It will provide the ‘who,’ ‘what’, and ‘when’ of participating in public policy.
  • Wednesday, August 13, 8 AM – 9 AM: Public Affairs Graduate Student Policy Award Breakfast (Social Event)
    Potential ESA GSPA students attend to receive an overview of the event, policy engagement and career exploration opportunities, and to hear about the experience from past GSPA winners. All students are welcome, but email Alison@esa.org to request an invitation.
  • Wednesday, August 13, 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM: Public Affairs Rapid Response Team Luncheon (Social Event)
    ESA volunteer members join the RRT and serve as subject matter experts to review science policy legislation, write federal register comments and speak with media outlets. Other ESA members engage in policy and are keenly interested in how science policy is developed, working with the media, and public engagement to raise awareness of the science of ecology and advocating for sound environmental and science policy decisions. At this luncheon, US a panel of US congressional staff will discuss the ins and outs of navigating the current policy environment in the federal government, identifying opportunities to engage, and providing the inside scoop for working in the current policy atmosphere. An RSVP is required to attend this invitation-only event and space is limited. Email ESA Director of Public Affairs Alison Mize, Alison@esa.org, to request an invitation.

Additional Policy Events

Monday, August 11, 2025

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Thursday, August 14, 2025

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