Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · 6d

We're wrapping up another year of the ROOT & SHOOT Research Coordination Network!
It's been a busy year: See "Highlights of Year Four"
rootandshoot.org/highlights-o....
We've done a lot but the icing on the cake was publishing our first big project in eLIFE elifesciences.org/articles/106... 🎉

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Making conferences in the plant sciences more inclusive through community recommendations

The ROOT & SHOOT project in the plant sciences has produced guidelines to help scientific societies organize conferences that are more inclusive and offer more supportive environments to all attendees...

elifesciences.org

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Jason Williams @jasonwilliamsny.bsky.social · 9d

The new #NSF #GRFP application now excludes 1000’s of students, including those who were told they could apply this year, or who planned to apply next year.

We have a new specific petition urging #NSFGRFP undo this harmful action. If you are impacted sign here: laurenkuehne.github.io/grfpChanges/

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Joshua Weitz @joshuasweitz.bsky.social · 9d

Already 300+ signatures in one afternoon.

Read & consider signing + sharing a petition to reverse eligibility restrictions and ensure applicants (including 2nd year PhD students) have a fair chance at this year's GRFP.

laurenkuehne.github.io/grfpChanges/

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · 9d

More info including agenda here www.nationalacademies.org/event/45044_...

www.nationalacademies.org

ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · 9d

Rethinking Researcher Assessment and Incentives at U.S. Academic Institutions: Online Workshop
Oct 28-29.
events.nationalacademies.org/45044_10-202...
This workshop will explore new approaches to expand the assessment criteria beyond traditional outputs such as grants, publications, & citations.

Rethinking Researcher Assessment and Incentives at U.S. Academic Institutions: A Workshop

Register for this event from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

events.nationalacademies.org

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Association of Applied Biologists @aabiologists.bsky.social · Aug 29

Great advice here that AAB will be embracing into the future...

ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · Aug 20

We are incredibly excited & proud: our first publication is out in eLIFE!
"Making conferences in the plant sciences more inclusive through community recommendations"
elifesciences.org/articles/106...
This project was a team effort involving contributors from seven professional societies. #PlantSci

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Making conferences in the plant sciences more inclusive through community recommendations

The ROOT & SHOOT project in the plant sciences has produced guidelines to help scientific societies organize conferences that are more inclusive and offer more supportive environments to all attendees...

elifesciences.org

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Reposted by ROOT-SHOOT RCN

North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee @naascarabidopsis.bsky.social · 10d

this year's applicants - now limited to 1st YEAR GRAD STUDENTS- “will have just over 6 weeks—& that’s only after earlier this week the agency extended the posted deadlines by about 2 weeks, from late October to early November, with no announcement or explanation.”
www.science.org/content/arti...

‘Completely shattered.’ Changes to NSF’s graduate student fellowship spur outcry

The announcement comes months later than usual, leaving many would-be applicants stranded

www.science.org

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · Aug 20

We are incredibly excited & proud: our first publication is out in eLIFE!
"Making conferences in the plant sciences more inclusive through community recommendations"
elifesciences.org/articles/106...
This project was a team effort involving contributors from seven professional societies. #PlantSci

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Making conferences in the plant sciences more inclusive through community recommendations

The ROOT & SHOOT project in the plant sciences has produced guidelines to help scientific societies organize conferences that are more inclusive and offer more supportive environments to all attendees...

elifesciences.org

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · Jul 22

If you are attending #PlantBiology2025 in person, you can also attend the online events.
We encourage you to attend "Fostering Inclusion in Plant Biology," Aug. 13 at 11 AM Eastern time (and recorded).
You can also buy a ticket for just the online event.
plantbiology.aspb.org/plant-biolog...

Plant Biology Global

Fostering Inclusion in Plant Biology
August 13, 11:00 am EST

Speakers:

Lesley Murphy, University of California
Sunil Kenchanmane-Raju, New York University
Kevin Cox, Jr, Washington University in St. Louis/Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Rebecca (BeKa) Leushen-Kohl, Purdue University
Glenda Gillaspy, University of Wisconsin
Stella Salvo, Bayer

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · Jun 21

Join us Thursday July 3 at 10am PDT (1pm EDT, 6pm in the UK) for a fascinating webinar presented by Dr. Guadalupe Maldonado Andrade from Cal Poly Pomona, speaking on "What Grows in the Margins: Plants, People, and the Politics of Care". Free to join, register here rootandshoot.org/webinar-plan...

What grows in the margins: Plants, People, and the Politics of Care. Dr. Guadalupe Maldonado Andrade. Dr. Guadalupe Maldonado Andrade is a faculty member in the Plant Science Dept. at Cal Poly Pomona. Her teaching thoughtfully weaves together plant science and ethnic studies, highlighting the powerful role of plants in shaping stories of reslience, healing, and social mobility. Her research is grounded in community-based collaborations focused on abortion care, working alongside Mexico-based organizations and researcher such as Nacer y Renancer, Centro de Mujeres, and photographer Mahe Elipe. July 3rd, 10-11am PDT / 1-2pm EDT. Open to all, come be a part of it!

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North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee @naascarabidopsis.bsky.social · Jun 19

Mary Williams, PI of the ROOT & SHOOT (R&S) initiative (led by @aspbofficial.bsky.social) talks to #ICAR2025 about the mentor development activity underway with the R&S plant society consortium @plantteaching.bsky.social @root-shoot.bsky.social

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North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee @naascarabidopsis.bsky.social · Jun 19

#icar2025 @plantteaching.bsky.social @root-shoot.bsky.social

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LGBTQ+ Cell Biologists @celllgbtq.bsky.social · Jun 5

Please join @kateycooper.bsky.social and @ascbiology.bsky.social for a webinar about LGBTQ+ experiences in biological sciences! June 18th, 2025 at 2pm EST. #pride #pridemonth #outinstem #LGBTQIA #LGBTQ #queerinstem #cellbio #cellbiology #ascb

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Kevin R. McClure @drkevinrmcclure.com · Jun 3

After writing about feeling personally a little adrift working in higher ed, I interviewed a group of people who had found pathways to resist and take action. Here's what I learned from them, w/ thanks to @karencosta.bsky.social, @daniellaurison.bsky.social & others
www.chronicle.com/article/5-st...

Advice | 5 Steps to Defend Higher Ed

How to stand up for academe in this era of constant attacks from federal and state governments.

www.chronicle.com

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Mary Williams @PlantTeaching @plantteaching.bsky.social · Jun 3

There's another workshop scheduled to support this initiative, June 6th, 12pm ET, led by Dr. Katherine Xue, assistant professor at UC Irvine who has written for The New Yorker, Harvard Magazine, and The Conversation. blogs.cornell.edu/asap/events-...

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Molly Edwards, PhD @science-irl.bsky.social · May 23

Join us in making a video that advocates for science using the hashtag #RootingForScience! We're releasing them en masse the week of June 23rd. To get you started, here’s a workshop I gave with @root-shoot.bsky.social about how to make videos for science advocacy: tinyurl.com/rootingforscience

Make a video that roots for science! With Molly Edwards, PhD – ROOT & SHOOT

tinyurl.com

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · May 20

Did you miss last week's workshop? No fears, we recorded it for you! Please join us by making a video that roots for science and sharing it using "RootingForScience. We'll be releasing and amplifying the videos the week of June 23.
Learn more at
rootandshoot.org/make-a-video...

An online, student-led symposium series.
Planting the Seeds of Change: Communicating Science with a Purpose.
Held May 13.

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · May 15

We've got another training session scheduled for May 30, it's a great way to prepare yourself to react constructively if you see harmful behavior. Free registration, all are welcome!
rootandshoot.org/bystandertra...

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North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee @naascarabidopsis.bsky.social · May 2

Join this upcoming workshop with @science-irl.bsky.social- Molly Edwards! Molly received a NAASC award in 2024 for her efforts to disseminate plant biology knowledge! (And…you can view that award talk here ➡️ youtu.be/Lyu_Kgifstc)

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Mary Williams @PlantTeaching @plantteaching.bsky.social · May 9

Inclusive Science Education Is Not Zero-Sum, by David Asai.
"As scientists and educators, we must insist that inclusion remains at our core. We know that inclusion and excellence are not mutually exclusive, and that an equitable future for all of us is possible." 👍 issues.org/inclusive-sc...

Inclusive Science Education Is Not Zero-Sum

Including everyone in science education improves the scientific enterprise and is essential for the democratization of personal agency.

issues.org

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · May 6

Happening tomorrow (Wed 7 May) at 4 PM EDT. Join this free online workshop with New York Times reporter Clay Risen to learn how to write an Opinion article for your newspaper. All are welcome!
cornell.campusgroups.com/ASAP/rsvp_bo...

McClintock Letters Op-Ed Writing Workshop with NYT Reporter Clay Risen (zoom link below) - Cornell Advancing Science and Policy Club

Learn from New York Times reporter Clay Risen about how to write an op-ed piece, to help you write your piece for the McClintock Letters Initiative!

cornell.campusgroups.com

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · May 5

Join us for free, online, Bystander Intervention Training Workshops for plant scientists, presented by ADVANCEGeo Partnership. These interactive workshops help you recognize when & how to step in when you see problematic behavior.
All welcome but space is limited.
rootandshoot.org/2025-bystand...

2025 Bystander Intervention Training Workshops – ROOT & SHOOT

rootandshoot.org

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Botanical Society of America @botsocamerica.bsky.social · Apr 28

Don't miss this free virtual workshop featuring #BSAmember, Molly Edwards! Learn about short-form video production and science communication.

Tuesday May 13th from 8-9am PDT, 11am – noon EDT.

For more information, and to register, visit: rootandshoot.org/planting-the...

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · May 5

Yes! The breakout room part won't be recorded, but the presentation by Molly will be recorded and shared after the event.

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ROOT-SHOOT RCN @root-shoot.bsky.social · Apr 24

Join us for an exciting Student Symposium workshop featuring Molly Edwards, PhD @science-irl.bsky.social. It's an interactive workshop on science communication, focused on short-form video production. May 13th 11am EDT.
More information & registration link here rootandshoot.org/planting-the...

Planting the Seeds of Change: Communicating Science with Purpose. An online student-led symposium series, featuring Dr. Molly Edwards. We’ll discuss best practices for short-form video production, explore different formats and approaches, and workshop your own ideas for videos. You’ll come away with actionable steps for producing your own video that stands up for science, and we plan to stay in touch after the workshop ends to help each other amplify our videos when they come out.
May 13th, 8-9am PDT / 11am - noon EDT. Open to all, come be a part of it!

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