Volunteer

Calling all Scientists & Student scientists-in-training!

Put your science communication skills to work!

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Join Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS) to share the science behind vaccination with our community.

Sign up with your interest in volunteering
schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with a volunteer coordinator

Welcome new volunteers

We welcome scientists at any level: motivated undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty.

Volunteers receive training in science communication, addressing misinformation, active listening skills, and are brought up to speed regarding the latest vaccine data and information.

In-person opportunities are limited to the greater Ithaca, NY area for Summer/Fall 2026, but virtual and asynchronous volunteer opportunities are also available.

Join VaCS:

Fill out our volunteer interest form to let us know a little about you!

Want to learn more about VaCS?

Schedule a meeting with a volunteer coordinator to learn more about ways to get involved.

For Cornell University undergrads:

Join VaCS-Cornell Student Chapter, our registered undergraduate student organization at Cornell University

Go to volunteer form
  • Tell us about yourself
  • Let us know your availability
  • Get added to our email list
Schedule a brief meeting
  • Highly suggested for graduate students, postdocs, or faculty volunteers
  • Learn about what volunteer opportunities are right for you
Join VaCS-CSC campusgroups
  • VaCS-CSC members reach members of the campus community through on-campus tabling events
  • With a founding principle of “…any person…any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer and educator

Hear from our volunteers:

“VaCS has been a great way to use the skills I have developed as a researcher for public service. Through preparing educational materials about vaccine science and tabling events in the community, I am strengthening my science communication skills in an impactful way.” 
Volunteer Meg
MegMicrobiology PhD Candidate at Cornell University
“Being a part of VaCS has been a fun part of my college experience. Having the opportunity to learn and develop my science communication skills was a new experience I appreciated, and being able to use these skills to participate in community based outreach has been very rewarding.”
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John Cornell University Class of 2026
“My experience with VaCS strengthened my scientific communication and writing skills, particularly in translating vaccine information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences. It also gave me meaningful experiences advocating for public health by engaging in thoughtful, informed dialogue with local residents. My time at VaCS has been incredibly valuable in shaping my skills and perspectives as an aspiring healthcare professional.”
Elaine Cornell University Class of 2024

What do we do?

VaCS began as a collaboration between several county health departments and Cornell Advancing Science and Policy, with support from the Provost’s Office. We are now a non-profit fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action. Our goal is to engage the community and answer questions about vaccines.

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Who can join?

We welcome scientists of any level: grad students, postdocs, advanced undergraduates, laboratory staff, and faculty! We welcome scientists at the Cornell Ithaca Campus, Weill Cornell, Ithaca College, and other local universities.

What is the time commitment?

It’s up to you! We expect that you will attend at least 1 event per month, however your commitment is flexible. We have both virtual and in-person opportunities. You can also get more involved by joining VaCS leadership to help with behind-the-scenes work, such as organizing events, developing educational materials, contributing to the handouts we distribute at community events, and managing phone banking data.

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Have a question?

Reach out to us directly using the form below and we’ll get back to you!

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