SPI at UVA

SPI at UVA

The Science Policy Initiative at UVA is a student organization empowering scientists and engineers to be more informed and involved in science policy

Statement in Support of Black Lives

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The Science Policy Initiative at UVA joins our voices with millions in sorrow and anger at the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, David McAtee and thousands of other Black Americans who have died as victims of police brutality.

This can be a watershed moment for racial equity in the U.S., and we encourage our members who are able to pause your regular activities to support this urgent demand for real change in policy and culture. The Science Policy Initiative at UVA (SPI) is planning the following actions to support meaningful change:

  1. Amplify policy change demands made by experienced advocates at the National, State, and local Charlottesville levels. Examples include https://8cantwait.org/, https://www.joincampaignzero.org, and http://useofforceproject.org/#project. We will make opportunities to promote these policies known to our membership.
  2. Advocate for meaningful change within UVA, including by promoting specific demands by the Black Student Alliance and by working to increase awareness of the long record of racial disparities throughout UVA’s history.
  3. Increase SPI’s focus on racial equity policy. This includes raising our own awareness of how policy impacts people of color in science, and also doing more to actively identify and promote evidence-based racial equity policies.
  4. Maintain accountability. History has shown us that policy change happens during short windows when issues are receiving national attention. SPI commits to following through to help ensure that policy is implemented across domains.

Specific opportunities and events to fulfill these commitments will be planned on our Slack workspace and promoted on social media @SPIatUVA. If you would like to take part in our efforts, please contact spiatuva@gmail.com. We also highlight that SPI seeks to provide a safe space for learning about how to be an advocate, and are always learning more ourselves. We welcome all comments, questions, and suggestions about these aims.

In solidarity, SPI leadership team

History and Legacy of Eugenics and Health Disparities

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Dr. Preston Reynolds joined us last week to talk about “UVA’s History and Legacy of Eugenics” as the first part of SPI’s seminar series concerning the Past Present and Future of Racial Inequity in Science-Based Policy.

SPI-DAC: ACP Efforts

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Check out the report from our SPI-DAC environmental group on endangered species impacted by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).

SPI Covid19 Response

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As the COVID-19 crisis rages on, UVA scientists are continuing to band together to help. No matter your research area, you can demonstrate your commitment to mitigating this crisis by donating to the Scientists at UVA Fund.

SPI Direct Advocacy Committee Completes First Project

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The SPI-DAC environmental group finished our first project in October, 2019!! The final product is titled “Scientific Support for the Regulation of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane,” and was distributed to the offices of the Southern Environmental Law Center throughout the southeast. Take a look at the final product here!