The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined with the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) — a grassroots network of more than 400 universities, scientific societies, and organizations — to celebrate The Year of Science 2009, according to a recent agency press release. COPUS was established to engage the public in science by showcasing how science works, who scientists are, and why science matters in our communities and everyday lives.

“The Year of Science 2009 presents an ideal opportunity for EPA scientists to share their passion for the science of environmental protection with the public,” said Kevin Teichman, deputy assistant administrator for science in EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “We’re looking forward to actively participating in the kick-off events and throughout the year to demonstrate how EPA puts science to work for the American people.”

Throughout the year, EPA will be blogging, hosting activities, inviting public participation and providing special content on a new Web site. On the first Wednesday of each month, EPA staff and grantees will highlight the COPUS theme of the month in EPA’s science blog, Science Wednesday. The EPA Web site will complement the COPUS Year of Science Web site, which allows visitors to search for science events such as science festivals and science cafes in their communities, and provides access to scientific resources and educational materials.

For more information on the EPA Year of Science, visithttp://www.epa.gov/yearofscience. For more information on COPUS and The Year of Science 2009, visithttp://www.yearofscience2009.org.