November 13, 2023
Media Contact:
Jason Papagan
Manager of Communications
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
jpapagan@sigmaxi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC—Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is pleased to announce the debut of “Civico”—a new online platform that provides users with a one-stop shop for science policy opportunities at the state level. The platform will educate interested users and guide them on ways to take meaningful action, while providing organizations with a specialized tool to showcase policy opportunities.
Civico describes the policymaking process through identifying, formulating, and implementing policy. These stages can help users identify where and how they want to engage with policymaking and find opportunities to meet their needs and satisfy their curiosity.
“As science increases our understanding of the world around us and technology becomes more integrated into our daily activities, scientific research has become more relevant to the formulation of policies that shape our lives,” said Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon. “We’ve created Civico to help current and emerging scientists find the tools and opportunities to take meaningful civic action at the state level and apply their scientific expertise to the policy process.”
Advanced by Sigma Xi's Senior Fellow in Civic Science & Public Policy, Adriana Bankston, Civico is part of Sigma Xi’s new initiative to promote the use of scientific research in policymaking. The digital platform complements Sigma Xi’s popular annual “Science Policy Boot Camp” event, which provides in-person education and training to prepare scientists to engage in the policy process.
“Interest in state-level policymaking has increased within the scientific community in recent years,” said Bankston. “We are excited to meet the moment and offer this opportunity for scientists to find tailored opportunities to achieve desired societal impacts.”
Civico is free to use for both members and non-members of Sigma Xi. Interested individuals can create free user accounts at goCivico.com.