Why Science + Society?

We live in a time of hard choices and extraordinary opportunity. Science and technology play a role in every aspect of our lives, from politics and world affairs to business, fashion, and sports. Nanotechnology, flu vaccines, genetic engineering, climate change, Arctic drilling, global health, forensic medicine, computer viruses, fossil fuels: To what extent does the public genuinely understand these terms and the complexity that lies beneath them? As voters and consumers, how prepared are Americans to evaluate benefits, risks, and costs involved in exploiting new technology or addressing safety, social, or ethical concerns? What about the officers who set priorities for American corporations, or the educators who determine curricula? For that matter, how well do Congressional committee members and policy advisors — those who actually shape government policy toward commerce, health, and education — understand science? The question becomes critical when one considers an estimate made by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright that as much as 80 percent of the issues she faced in the State Department were rooted in science and technology.

The answer, in general, is “not well enough.” It’s been widely documented that however “science literacy” is defined, most Americans, including those in positions that routinely require them to take actions that involve science and technology, would benefit from a stronger scientific literacy foundation. Developing the communications strategies needed to build that foundation is the primary goal of this conference, Science + Society: Closing the Gap.

Three Days, No Limits

The conference’s three days of speakers and sessions are designed to stimulate dialogue and action, as participants explore practical, real-world strategies for effectively engaging the public. Our speakers represent an international cross-section of scientists and science communicators who work in print and broadcast journalism, curriculum development, museum exhibition, public policymaking, and more. Session topics include Science in These Times, a hard-hitting look at the science behind the headlines and what the public needs to understand; Science on Screen, strategies for getting real science into mainstream entertainment; and Science, Pseudoscience, and Belief, a critical look at the need to raise science literacy and combat the ghosts, psychics, and space aliens that are capturing the public imagination. Working sessions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the development of local and national projects intended to reach and engage the public on scientific issues

Making Connections

The most important component of any conference is the people who attend, and this will be particularly true during Science + Society — we’re bringing together professionals and non-professionals, people who may have never had a chance to meet, and we want them to talk. In addition to lively sessions and presentations, there will be opportunities throughout the conference to gather in small groups — over coffee, light meals and more — and share ideas and information. And for a modest entrance fee, delegates are invited to attend an Opening Night Gala Reception — details to come!

Who Should Participate:

• Members of the Public
• Scientists
• Educators
• Journalists
• Media Producers
• Business Leaders
• Policymakers
• Museum Professionals
• Philanthropists

Why Participate?

• Immerse yourself in current science and technology research and issues
• Consider innovative and practical strategies for improving science communication
• Explore new opportunities and technologies for reaching audiences with science and technology content
• Share global strategies with professionals in the fields of science, technology, communications, education and more

How it Compares

Science + Society: Closing the Gap is an important addition to the international calendar of science-related conferences. It's one of the first to involve the public in a high-level conversation—with scientists, educators, media professionals, policymakers and others—about effective and practical ways to improve science communication and enhance science literacy. Rather than target a specific group or membership, Science + Society invites the widest range of stakeholders to the table, recognizing that success depends on cooperation and conversation not only across disciplines but also between the scientific community and the public it serves.