Improving Wikipedia’s Science Content Collaboratively
A major component of the 2016 Year of Science (YoS) is engaging scientists to work with Wikipedia, and improve Wikipedia’s science content.
One way Wikipedia is doing that is by partnering with major scientific societies for a series of ‘edit-a-thons,’ workshops, and talks at conferences throughout the year. This includes ASPB and Plant Biology 2016 (see links below).
Making Substantive Changes
During edit-a-thons, conference attendees learn the basics of Wikipedia editing, make substantive changes to Wikipedia articles within their area of expertise, and learn more about the Wiki Education Foundation’s classroom program.
Keeping Good Company
These events are hosted by the Simons Foundation, in partnership with Wiki Ed. Below is a list of past and future Year of Science events. In keeping with ASPB’s goal to collaborate with other science-savvy organizations, this list represents a loosely formed alliance of groups working to improve science communication and public engagement with (correct) science.
Here’s the list of recent and upcoming YoS events:
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
Held February 13-14 – read more about the event here - American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Held April 4 in San Diego – read more about the event here - American Astronomical Society
June 15 in San Diego – more information available here.
Sign up to be a facilitator. - American Society for Microbiology – ASM Microbe 2016
June 19 in Boston – more information coming soon
Sign up to be a facilitator. -
American Society for Plant Biology
July 12 in Austin – more information available here.
Sign up to be a facilitator. - International Society for Computational Biology – ISMB 2016
July in Orlando – more information coming soon - American Chemical Society
August in Philadelphia – more information coming soon - Society for Neuroscience
November in San Diego – more information coming soon - American Geophysical Union (Annual Fall Meeting)
December in San Francisco – more information coming soon
This post (with minor adaptations) comes from the original, ‘The Year of Science is coming to a conference near you,’ written by Eryk Salvaggio.
