Hurricanes that devastated areas of the Caribbean last fall impeded science research and teaching, but new networks for aiding colleagues and new avenues for research have emerged from the response efforts, according to several speakers at a recent conference co-hosted by AAAS.

For scientists interested in building their public engagement skills, the first challenge is often finding training opportunities and connecting to others with similar interests. An upcoming online “teach-out” offers a free, flexible opportunity to do both. Stand Up for Science: Practical Approaches for Discussing Science that Matters will be held May 5 – 7, although participants can join for as much or as little of it as they like. This event is being hosted by the University of Michigan’s Office of Academic Innovation and RELATE (a science communication and engagement training program originally developed by graduate students). The teach-out will include an interview with Emily Cloyd, project director for public engagement at AAAS’s Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology, and will point participants to some of the Center’s resources.

Scientific organizations partnering with the March for Science are stressing the need for scientists to connect more directly with policymakers and the public both now and in the future to build support for science and explain its value for society.