Recent Public Engagement Events

To date, public engagement events offered under the auspices of the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology have included the following activities. For a listing of all upcoming AAAS events, click here.

• Science and Society: Grand Challenges: Containing the Spread of WMDs: The discussion series, sponsored by AAAS, Georgetown University and the Smithsonian, included dialogue by leading security experts on the containment of weapons of mass destruction, and was hosted by NPR reporter Joe Palca. [26 November 2007]

• Science and Society: Grand Challenges: Managing a Pandemic: The discussion series, sponsored by AAAS, Georgetown University and the Smithsonian, featured biosecurity experts discussing the preparation needed to manage global pandemics, and was hosted by NPR reporter Joe Palca. [19 November 2007]

• Science and Society: Grand Challenges: Climate Change: The discussion series, sponsored by AAAS, Georgetown University and the Smithsonian, included dialogue about climate change by scientists, economists and politicians, and was hosted by NPR reporter Richard Harris. [5 November 2007]

• New Horizons in Polar Science: As part of the Philip Hauge Abelson Advancing Science Seminar Series, experts discussed new and exciting science in the Polar Regions that has broad implications for society, in areas such as climate change, energy policy and sustainability. [30 October 2007]

• "Climate in the Community Week:" In recognition of Earth Day and greater public awareness about the science of global climate change, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has declared 22-28 April 2007 as "Climate in the Community Week" in collaboration with 10 science centers throughout the United States. [22-28 April 2007]

• "Communicating and Learning About Global Climate Change:" An estimated 1,000 educators, students, business leaders and others convened in San Francisco on 18 February 2007 for a half-day, town-hall style event on the challenges of climate change-and possible solutions. The event, geared to teachers, students and science communicators, was held at the AAAS Annual Meeting. [18 February 2007]

• Microbes, Minerals, and the Environment: As part of the Philip Hauge Abelson Advancing Science Seminar Series, experts discussed the role of microbes in the Earth's processes and their potential effects on environmental and human health. [26 October 2006]

• On the Origins of Life and the Universe: An Afternoon with 2006 Nobel Laureates: At a public event jointly sponsored by AAAS and the Library of Congress, John Mather and Craig Mello delved into the details of their work as scientists in cosmology and genetics, respectively, highlighting both the unwavering commitment required to reach their scientific goals and the recognition it brought them at Nobel proceedings. [26 July 2006]

• Meet the Science Authors: Scientists at this salon-style event described recent fossil findings that suggested today's birds may have gotten their start in aquatic environments. [15 June 2006]

• AAAS/NAS Bibliography on Scientific Integrity: AAAS and NAS launched the bibliography to promote informed discussions and provide resources on standards for ethical conduct in all fields of study. [2 June 2006]

• A Harmonious Commitment to Science and Culture: This salon-style event presented the story of two lives committed to one another, dedicated to protecting world populations and the environment in different ways: Hana and Francisco Ayala. [23 March 2006]

• Evolution on the Front Line: This town hall served teachers, students, AAAS Annual Meeting attendees, and the general public. [19 February 2006]

• A Conversation with Richard Garwin: This event, organized by the Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy, featured physicist Garwin's long-standing efforts to tackle tough problems to improve national security. [10 January 2006]

• New Directions in Health: The Global Burden of Chronic Disease: As part of the Philip Hauge Abelson Advancing Science Seminar Series, experts discussed promising new possibilities for disease prevention and treatment. [8 December 2005]

• An Evening Conversation with Victor and Herman Wouk: Novelist Herman Wouk and his brother, the late Victor Wouk, a pioneer in the development of hybrid and electric cars, took part in this engaging salon-style event. [21 October 2004]

• Oceans for Everyone Town Hall: Empowering average citizens by giving them a voice in setting the national research agenda was a primary goal of this first-ever town hall meeting of the AAAS AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology. [15 February 2004]

• First-Ever Family Science Days: The 2004 AAAS Annual Meeting included the first-ever free Family Science Days, featuring three cloned mules and a series of child-friendly, educational activities. The event now occurs each year. [14-15 February 2004]