(2018-11-09) 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 this morning in Ottawa 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 Dr. 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. 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,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University Dr. Pierre Zundel.
“Our core purpose at Science North is to inspire people of all ages to be engaged with the science in the world around them. 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.”
stated Guy Labine, CEO of Science North.
The program provides students experiential learning opportunities for research and application of science communication principles. It proposes a master’s degree (M.S.Com) or a graduate diploma (G.dip) in Science Communication.
More information on the program and admission requirements are available on Laurentian University’s website.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
Located on the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 territory, Laurentian University recognizes that we are on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.
ABOUT SCIENCE NORTH
Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource operating the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North also oversees an award-winning International Sales unit, which develops custom and ready-made exhibits and multimedia experiences for sale to science centres, museums, and other cultural institutions all over the world. Science North, in partnership with Laurentian University, offers North America’s first and only comprehensive Science Communication program, a joint Master’s and Diploma program. As part of its mandate, Science North provides science experiences throughout Northern Ontario including outreach to schools and festivals, summer science camps and more, and has a permanent base in Thunder Bay providing outreach to the Northwest. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information please visit sciencenorth.ca. For more information please visit ScienceNorth.ca.
ABOUT ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE
The Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience) is a platform for public engagement with leading scientists, featuring free live talks and panel discussions and an extensive online archive. Founded in 1849, RCIS is among the oldest societies of any kind in Canada. For 169 years, we have worked towards the goal of an informed public that embraces science to build a stronger Canada.