Our goals are to contribute to systems level progress on:

Responsible STI that is ethical, advances rights, is subject to critical analysis, governance mechanisms and accountability measures that maximize good and mitigate harm, and that challenges techno-determinism.

Responsive STI which considers the contributions and needs of, and benefits to, all of society, places a premium on public interest, goods and commons and participation, and creates pathways to public sector/non-profit careers.

Generational Change where youth develop a systemic understanding of responsible and responsive STI, are positioned to take action as individuals, as community members, in the civic space, and potentially within their studies and careers, and where youth perspectives are heard, integrated and acted on.

  • Pace and impact of technological change and many breakthrough “cusps” and inflection points coupled with gaps in public awareness, distribution of benefits, and regulation and mechanisms to mitigate harm.

    Societal Changes that challenge trust in science and technology and civic participation on the one hand but, on the other, call for new social, political and economic models and justice, and that promote more open and cooperative systems (including in science and tech). Covid 19 exposed many systemic problems and also presents a unique opportunity to fix them.

    Educational Pedagogical shifts that emphasize transdisciplinary, placed based learning and rethinking where and how learning takes place – all opportunities to build scientific and technological identity.

    Planetary Crisis which, will require changes in our relationship with nature, human behavior, production and consumption patterns, economic systems, and regenerative science and technology.

  • We are currently at a threshold of significant change, between the present unsustainable status quo and a future that will look very different. Science, technology and innovation are important factors in what will emerge. How positive their societal contribution will be depends on whether we strengthen and invent the norms, frameworks, and capacities now for more responsible and responsive science, technology and innovation.

    This requires putting in place the right ecosystems amongst current actors and decision-makers, as well as striving for generational change by engaging with youth today and making a commitment to coming generations to better put STI in the service of society [STIS].

  • We drive change by focusing on forward looking, emerging and innovative approaches, pedagogies and disciplines.

    We take a trans-disciplinary lens, connecting STEM back to society and broader systems, and equipping people to ask critical questions across domains.

    We center agency - from the personal to civic engagement to advocacy - in ensuring that youth and under-represented groups can inform and influence how and for whom STEM is created and applied.

    We strive to build STEM identity, not just literacy.

    We concentrate on levers such as

    —Educational programming and content development

    — Policy, Advocacy and Partnerships

    — Outreach

    — Technical Assistance