Wiki Scientist course completion

500 million readers come to Wikipedia each month to shape their understanding of topics; their behavior; and ultimately the world. When scientists add neutral, fact-based information to the site, they inform policy makers and voters on the critical role science and technology has in our community. The National Science Policy Network (NSPN) believes the scientific community has an obligation to participate in the Wikipedia community to ensure the public has access to high-quality scientific information, especially as it relates to real-world policy decisions. But the barriers for entry into the “Wikipedia ecosystem” can deter scientists, especially early career scientists, from taking the time to learn Wikipedia’s technical, procedural, and cultural practices. As a part of the NSPN 2020 Election Initiative, NSPN has sponsored seats in a Wiki Scientists course with Wiki Education to bolster the availability and accuracy of science policy information on Wikipedia. Selected members participate in an in-depth, structured training about how to contribute science policy content to Wikipedia, giving early career scientists and engineers the dedicated time and support they need to join the Wikipedia community. NSPN Wiki Scientists collaborated weekly over 3 months to edit Wikipedia articles related to science policy that will inform voters during the 2020 United States election and campaign.