Proposed merger with the ES&H SIG: the Science SIG perspective

by Geoff Hart

Previously published as: Hart, G.J. 2002. Proposed merger with the ES&H SIG: the Science SIG perspective. the Exchange 9(3):3.

On page 4, Hillary Hart, manager of the Environmental, Safety, and Health Communication SIG explains why she proposes a merger between our two SIGs. As you’ll see, I’m in favor of the merger. I’ve polled the Science SIG e-mail discussion group (see page 8), and the responses thus far have been largely positive; the only serious concern that’s been raised is the risk of undermining what we’ve accomplished as a SIG. If we can retain our SIG’s unique strengths and enhance them by adding members from ES&H, I recommend that we proceed with the merger. If you disagree, please let meknow by e-mail so we can discuss it.

If nobody raises an unresolvable objection, Hilary and I will formally propose to STC that the SIGs be merged by the end of the year. Then, of course, comes the challenge of choosing a new name for the SIG. Stay tuned.

Serious objections, of course, have to be discussed, and our e-mail discussion group is the best place to do that because it permits immediate and interactive discussion. We had some minor problems with the software that runs the list, so if you didn’t receive any of the messages discussing the merger, log into the Web site and check your subscription information.

My essays on scientific communication have now been collected in the following book:

Hart, G. 2011. Exchanges: 10 years of essays on scientific communication. Diaskeuasis Publishing, Pointe-Claire, Que. Printed version, 242 p.; eBook in PDF format, 327 p.