Center for Science, Health and Society

The Center for Science, Health and Society is charged with the mission to connect scientists and citizens to advance science literacy, engagement and action.  With our community partners and by utilizing funds through the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Program Development Fund for Research and CDC funding through Milwaukee/Waukesha Public Health, the Center has established five goals in order to achieve this mission.

Goal #1:  Strengthen science literacy through transferring knowledge to lay audiences and academic scientists through both formal and informal methods.  Science literacy includes:

• knowledge and understanding of scientific subject matter
• understanding of the scientific method
• ability to identify scientific issues underlying national and local policy decisions
• ability to participate in informed discussions regarding strengths and limitations of science
• understanding of the complex relationship between science and society
• a shared language between scientists and the community

Goal #2:  Conduct research on the most effective methods for exchanging information among scientists, citizens, and policy makers, including the social and cultural implications of scientific advances and their relationship to health.

Goal #3:  Develop and test methods for engaging and an informed public in science and health policy development as well as studying how decisions are made.

Goal #4:  Create opportunities for MCW faculty, adults and youth to engage in informed policy discussions through public deliberation.

Goal #5:  Foster interest in the professions of science and medicine.