Science is stitched into the fabric of every town, including mine and yours. Our goal is to encourage scientists to return to their hometowns by writing brief opinion pieces in their hometown newspaper, advocating for investment in American science, especially the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

American Science makes jobs, creates new medical treatments, invent new technologies, supports new businesses, and advances the nation’s prosperity. Science is worth investing in. Our country’s progress in science begins in every community, with anyone who’s willing to wonder, question, and search for answers.

The articles you can write are reminders that our science comes from every town, belongs to everyone in the country, and is critical to our nation’s success. Local newspapers have a circulation of around 15 million people (1.5x the circulation of the New York Times and 6x the Washington Post) and target a more diverse cross-section of communities and demographics than large urban papers.

Who are we

Jessica Cantlon and Steve Piantadosi are both NIH and NSF funded scientists, friends and collaborators, who believe that tenured faculty, with secure jobs and the freedom to speak out, have an obligation to spread the word about the importance of these instutitions.

How to participate

If you are interested in helping, please find a newspaper in a county you know (see the map at the bottom of the page), preferably where you grew up. Contact editors about placing an opinion piece on the importance of NIH and NSF funding to the region. You can often find the editor’s contact information on the paper webpage.

It often is helpful in contacting editors to (1) make a local connection, (2) highlight the recent/newsworthy aspects of what’s happening recently, and (3) argue that you have a strong, original perspective which isn’t otherwise being shared.

We have provided examples of emails for contacting editors.

The editor can tell you what parameters for length, timing, and content are most appropriate. Then, work with them (and us, if we can help) to write a compelling argument for supporting American science.

Please be sure that after you have written a piece, send it to us so we can share it on this page.

What should I write?

Here are some suggestions for content:

Say something about yourself. – Share where you’re from, painting a picture of your hometown with a meaningful memory. Make clear your local connection. Was it a library where you discovered your love for research? A park where you played? A street you lived on or a classroom that shaped you? Mention your parents’ jobs or a local tradition that made your town special.
Highlight your work and journey – Explain a key scientific breakthrough or discovery you’ve made. Keep it simple and relatable—what problem did you solve, and how does it matter? What contribution does it make to society?
Celebrate the science of others – Mention other important discoveries you’ve witnessed firsthand from fellow scientists. How have their breakthroughs shaped our world for the better, and what inspires you about their work?
Recognize the government support behind science – Acknowledge the role of agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These organizations make discoveries possible by funding research and training the next generation of scientists.
Mention why science is a smart investment – Include concrete facts and statistic to show how science benefits society. For example, every dollar spent on research generates $2.50 in return. Or emphasize the number of local jobs. Share how scientific advancements contribute to longer life expectancy, better education, the economy, jobs, and problem-solving innovations that improve quality of life for everyone. Note that most scientists are working for the common good, to create knowledge to share with everyone, and help with everyone’s problems.
Note the national significance – Government sponsored research helps the US compete on a global stage, and has been a powerful force in American defense, and global security. This is critical important in the current era of especially fast-paced technological change.
Suggest what can be done – Suggest to readers what they can do -- not just supporting science in the abstract, but contacting their representatives at all levels of government and explaining why this issue is critical to their community.
Convey a positive, hopeful message – Remind your audience that science is rooted in communities like theirs, driven by human curiosity, and has the power to change the world for the better.

Editors

We are lucky to have a number of volunteer editors who are happy to read drafts of your opinion pieces and make suggestions:

Carla Lauter worked for ten years for NASA and NSF on science communication, including outreach. [contact]
Rebecca Hesiman is an award-winning science writer. [contact]
Cassie Freund is the director of science communciation at Frost Science. [contact]
Steve Piantadosi is faculty at UC Berkeley and is one of the organizers of Science Homecoming. [contact]
Jessica Cantlon is faculty at CMU and one of the organizers of Science Homecoming. [contact]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Since we are primarily advocating support for NIH/NSF, we especially encourage faculty at universities, who have received funding from these institutions and can articulate their importance.

What are the strongest arguments I can make?

There are online tools showing the economic benefit of NIH and economic benefit of NSF in each state (state NSF funding can be found here). Here is an NIH page about direct economic impacts. In addition, the CDC has a site with data on leading causes of death for each state. We recommend tuning the arguments and data used to the argument and audience.

Generally, we recommend emphasizing the local, community impact of research conducted by NIH and NSF, including medical treatments and basic understanding needed for future applications. We think it is important to emphasize that unlike paying a business, funding for research contributes to a greater common good, and committing to sharing/disseminating the work is often a key piece of receiving funding.

Do you have examples I can read?

Yes, here and here and here are example opinion pieces. Each takes a somewhat different angle, but focuses on similar core points. Feel free to use them for inspiration for your own.

Should I argue politics?

Our project is not focused on arguing for or against any particular political party or politician. Support for NIH and NSF has always been bipartisan, and our goal is to spread the message about why science is important to the American public in order to foster a broad base of support.

How long should it be?

It will depend on the paper and what the editor says, but most will be 500-1000 words.

Can I do more than one?

Yes, but note that many venues will not want to publish identical text to somewhere else. You also should not send the same article to many venues at the same time.

What do I do if I’m turned down by a paper?

Try to find a new one. You may have to try several papers before you get a response from editors.

Can I contact papers where I currently live instead of my hometown?

Yes. However, our goal is to encourage outreach beyond major cities and university towns, so please consider that when you are thinking of venues.

Should I expect papers to pay me for my writing?

No.

How can I help Science Homecoming?

If you have experience with journalism, science outreach, web development, or geospatial data tools, and are interested in helping, please contact Jessica & Steve.