Merger Alert: Life Science Cafe and That’s Life Science Combine Forces at UMass
Key Information
September 22, 2023 — Two graduate-student-led science communication organizations at the University of Massachusetts, Life Science Cafe and That’s Life Science, have recently announced their decision to merge. Life Science Cafe is known for facilitating live in-person and virtual events featuring experts in the life sciences discussing their research passion with the local community. On the other hand, That’s Life Science has built its reputation on publishing student-written and peer-reviewed blog posts on a range of scientific topics for a broader audience. The merger aims to consolidate these distinct but complementary approaches into a single, unified platform for science communication. Slated to occur over the course of the current fall semester, the merger will require both organizations to put a temporary hold on their respective activities — events and content creation alike. This organization merger is actively seeking participation from graduate students to usher in what they term a “new era of life science community outreach.”
Why It Matters
By pooling resources and expertise, the newly formed entity is poised to streamline its operations, thereby offering a more efficient and impactful medium for disseminating scientific knowledge. The consolidation will likely result in a unified platform that provides a more comprehensive suite of materials and events, potentially engaging a wider audience. Furthermore, this union offers an unprecedented opportunity to innovate the methods and mediums of effective science communication in the age of digital information. While the immediate impact will be most tangible within the local community, the engagement ambition clearly extends to larger audiences around the world facilitated through web-based platforms.
Questions to Keep in Mind
A number of questions loom large as we think about this merger. First, how will the merger preserve the individual identities and unique strengths that Life Science Cafe and That’s Life Science bring to the table? Second, what organizational structure will the newly formed entity adopt to best serve its redefined mission? Third, how will this organizational transformation impact both current and future projects, particularly concerning the planning and execution of events in addition to the publication of content? Fourth, what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition and integration during this period of restructuring? Lastly, what other mergers are currently in the works within the broader civic science ecosystem? And will we see more of them in the near future? Only time will tell.
This is a developing story with significant implications for civic science. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates and in-depth analyses as they become available. Watch saiTV to stay updated.
