HFES Goes to Washington

Learn how HFES members can get involved in advocating for the science of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E). This panel will present an overview of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s activities in working to promote the science of HF/E in Congress and across government agencies. The activities of the Government Relations Committee will be discussed, to include outreach to Congress and responses to pending legislation, as well as the development of policy statements on Human Systems Integration, Airline Seating, and Autonomous Vehicles. Nicholas Saab will provide a discussion of the many activities Lewis-Burke Associates engages in on behalf of HFES. As our government relations experts, Lewis-Burke tracks relevant legislation, and activities and opportunities for HF/E involvement in supporting government operations across its many agencies. They help represent the society on the ground in DC and provide inputs on our behalf across a wide range of topics. New to HFES, the Science Policy Fellows program was established in 2018 to provide a valuable opportunity for members to learn how to navigate the federal policy process and successfully advocate for human factors and ergonomics on the national stage. They receive extensive training in public affairs, advocacy, and outreach, and represent HFES in an annual Capitol Hill day in Washington, DC. In addition to working with the Government Relations Committee, the Science Policy Fellows are each developing a tailored outreach program to include continued participation in Capitol Hill Day and interactions with policy makers in DC, supporting the Society’s policy objectives at the local and/or state level, serving on the GRC or a subcommittee, or other activities developed by each participant. Our 2018 Science Policy Fellows, Caroline Cao, Holly Handley and Carisa Harris-Adamson, will each present on their experiences and activities. This special session provides an opportunity for HFES members to learn more about how the society is representing and supporting our profession in Washington, and about how they can get involved in promoting human factors and ergonomics at the local, state or national level.