About us

Science Borealis is a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act). We are a volunteer-run organization.

Vision

A future where Canadians understand the role of science in society through good science stories, well told.

Mission Statement

Science Borealis provides exposure, platforms and training to help science communicators share stories about Canadian science.

Founding Story

We are a group of Canadian science bloggers (see Our Team) who joined forces in 2012 via initial discussions between Maryse de la Giroday, Sarah Boon, Steph Taylor and Raymond Nakamura. In early 2013 we approached Canadian Science Publishing to gauge their interest in hosting such a site. Their positive response coincided with a community-building initiative (cancomm.org) kicked off by Mike Spear of Genome Alberta. Our groups joined forces, and added Pascal Lapointe of Agence Science-Presse, and Kim Moynahan to build Science Borealis.

This community-driven endeavour aims to grow our Canadian science communication community, while raising awareness of – and support for – Canadian science. To add your blog to the list, go to Join Us.

Note: Given limited start-up resources, the site is currently available in English only; however, we welcome French science bloggers to submit their blogs.

Les blogueurs francophones sont bien sûr les bienvenus dans Science Boréalis! Nous sommes désolés que ce site soit pour l’instant, en majeure partie en anglais: le bénévolat a atteint ici ses limites… Mais si votre blogue ne figure pas déjà  dans la liste, inscrivez-vous pour montrer le dynamisme de la blogosphère canadienne francophone!

Why a Canadian Focus?

Canadian maple leaf

Although science blogs have been around for the last decade, most are based outside of Canada. While some of those bloggers represent the best of the best, we believe a Canadian point of view is also essential. Canada is a vast country with a broad diversity of geography, economics and cultures. Many science topics are unique to our country, such as managing the environment in a heavily resource-based economy, or dealing with fisheries issues on three coasts. Add to that Canada’s role on the international stage, and the linkages between Canadian science and policy. Canadian policy makers – and the public – want and need to understand what science is being done, what makes it so interesting, how it might be applicable to us, and where it is headed.

Read about Our Logo…

Science Borealis Anti-Black Racism Statement

(updated June 3, 2020) Science Borealis is committed to providing a platform free from discrimination, where all volunteers, collaborators and community members are treated with respect and dignity. This past week, the blatant acts of anti-Black racism have been a sobering reminder that racism and oppression remain a very real and perpetual problem facing the Black community in the United States and Canada.

We stand together with the protestors in their struggle to end the perpetuation of anti-Black racism and inequality. We are committed to being champions of change to achieve a future where everyone is treated equitably and with dignity.

Please join us in amplifying the voices of Black scientists, sci-artists, and science enthusiasts by promoting the following hashtags and initiatives: #BlackAFinSTEM, #BlackInSTEM, #BlackBirdersWeek, #BlackInNature, #BlackEcologistsMatter, and #BlackandSTEM. On Twitter, follow @BLACKandSTEM and @BlackWomenSTEM for more information.

Resources

One thought on “About us

Comments are closed.