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Seminar by the Scientists Dating Forum: linking science, politics, society and economics

 

On Nov 8th (in the context of the PhD seminars), the Scientists Dating Forum (SciDF) will present to the community in DTIC their approach to promote that researchers are more actively involved in society. We first got to know SciDF during the Falling Walls Lab qualifying round we co-organised in 2017, and their interests to impact on a broad number of topics, ranging from general outreach to science diplomacy, are quite well aligned with several of the priorities of the María de Maeztu transversal actions, that include opening up scientific work and setting the means that guarantee that excellent science also results in positive impacts in society.

Who is SciDF?

Scientists Dating Forum (SciDF) is a science-based association created in 2016 in Barcelona. SciDF aims to strengthen the interactions of scientists with politics, society and economics by fostering dialogue and community building.

We are a multidisciplinary young team integrated by researchers, communication specialists and people from private/public sector that share an interest in science. We are working to give to science a stronger voice in politics and economics, and strengthen its position in society. We contribute on a voluntary basis showing that the scientific community is committed to reinvent this sector and open it up.  

What does SciDF do?

SciDF wants to show how scientists through their own self-initiative try to close gaps between science and other sectors. More than 80 young and dynamic professionals from over 50 entities have been involved in the SciDF, and over 1000 people so far have attended SciDF events. These events consist of round table discussions and debates in bars (SciDF-Bars) and at institutes (SciDF-Talks), social activities for scientists and collaborations with existing institutions and programs.

We have also organized activities with other entities, such as the YoMo festival and the Festa de la Ciencia (Barcelona), and AsBioMad After Science event in Madrid.

SciDF has mobilized the scientific community of Barcelona by organizing the March for Science Barcelona 2017. We gave also a voice to science in the elections of 2017 in Catalonia: first, debating on how the independence scenario could affect research and scientists, and next, by asking all political parties to present their position on 10 different scientific policy topics, elaborating an exclusive summary for science-based vote.

SciDF opens science!

We believe that a scientific community that motivates society and politicians to participate in science, through dialogue and constructive discussions, makes more critical citizens and politicians.

 

 

And, on that same day, the researchers will have their first opportunity to get to know SciDF in action!

 

 

SPEAKERS

Ryan Armstrong

Ryan Armstrong is a researcher in the field of management and organizations. His research interests lie primarily in two areas. First, in exploring, describing, and developing methodology for addressing complex challenges in the applied social sciences (and sometimes the natural ones). Second, in employing these methods to contribute to robust, actionable theory to help navigate the challenges brought on by the 4th Industrial Revolution: Increased technological, social, and ecological change, automation, Big Data, and uncertainty. He has published and presented on the topics of strategic management, applied philosophy, and interdisciplinarity. He is the outgoing PhD Representative for the University of Barcelona Business PhD program and for the British Academy of Management, Performance Management group. Since 2012 Ryan has worked as a consultant for organizations in Europe and the USA to support himself during his graduate education, working in strategic management, analysis, information systems, and the use of visual methods for managing complexity. Since July 2018 he has served as Treasurer for Scientists Dating Forum.

 

Carla Conejo González

Carla Conejo González is the Vice-president of Scientist Dating Forum. She works at Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, where she is the Science Projects Leader of the Area of Knowledge, Education & Research. BS in Human Biology and MS in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Industry at Universitat Pompeu Fabra with a degree specialization in neurobiology and research internships in the Center for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona and in the Dipartamento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie at the Università di Bologna in Italy. Scientific advisor, content researcher and creator of the TV program Quèquicom of the Canal33 (TV3). In the field of science advocacy, she is also a board member of WhatIf – Passionately Courious and has volunteered at MAGMA – Association for Promoting Youth Research, both initiatives aimed at promoting science education and dissemination by connecting science to society and facilitating access to research. Carla is also one of the founders of Associació Babu, a non-governmental humanitarian organization aimed at developing programs of health and psychological assistance worldwide.

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