“On-call” Scientists An initiative of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Program Jessica Wyndham, Project Director AAAS Science and Human Rights Program January 22, 2010

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program I.Scientists for Human Rights* II.Science for Human Rights III.Human Rights and the Conduct of Science IV.Science as a Human Right Science and Human Rights Program

“On-call” Scientists WHAT: A network of scientists ready to volunteer their time and expertise to human rights organizations WHY: To enable human rights organizations to obtain the scientific expertise they require, and give scientists opportunity to contribute to human rights work Science and Human Rights Program

“On-call” Scientists WHO: ▪ Almost 370 volunteers ▪ Behavioral, life, physical, and social scientists, as well as engineers, technicians, medical professionals, and public health practitioners ▪ In over 25 countries Science and Human Rights Program

“On-call” Scientists HOW: ▪ Online registration system ▪ Clarification of needs ▪ Experts identified: from database or independent search ▪ Interviews ▪ Match made ▪ Evaluation Science and Human Rights Program

“On-call” Scientists WEB-BASED INTERFACE:  Online registration system  How scientists can help  Matching process  FAQs  Our policies  Expectations of volunteers and hosts  Terms and conditions Science and Human Rights Program

First completed project … Science and Human Rights Program National Economic and Social Rights Initiative Project: Assess cost-benefit of human right to healthcare Location: Montana, USA Scientist: Economist Product: Report: Cost-Benefit Analysis –Treating Health Care as a Human Right in Montana

Physicians for Human Rights Project: Document evidence of torture to support asylum applications Location: USA Scientists: Health practitioners (10) Current projects … Science and Human Rights Program Global Rights Project: Assess impact of extractive industries on local communities Location: Congo, DRC, Guinea Scientists: Geologists, child psychologist (3) Montana Innocence Project Project: Conduct handwriting analysis, DNA testing, forensic anthropology, crime scene reconstruction Location: Montana, USA Scientist: Forensic scientists RFK Memorial, Center for Human Rights Project: Assess cost of rebuilding public infrastructure post- hurricane Katrina Location: Gulf states, USA Scientist: Economist (1)

“On-call” Scientists CHALLENGES:  Defining role of AAAS  Clarifying scope and focus of the initiative  No funding for projects  Managing expectations of volunteers  Outreach to the human rights community Science and Human Rights Program