Seminars are made up of multiple sessions to provide both a broad and in-depth look at the day’s chosen topic.
Communicating Science
Videos of the Communicating Science Seminar are available.
*Pre-registration required
Thursday, 14 February
Scientific and technological issues increasingly trigger societal conflicts whenever they intersect with personal or political views. Today’s scientists and engineers are challenged to communicate and engage with the public, reporters, and policy-makers, particularly amid pressures on research and development budgets, and related concerns about transparency and accountability. This seminar will share science communication expertise in working with different types of content, across a range of presentation formats, for various audiences.
The Biology and Evolution of Human Language
Friday, 15 February
The human ability to learn and use language is deeply rooted in the biology of our species and processes of cultural evolution. We are biologically equipped for language in general, but inherit the specific cultural form of the languages in which we are socialized. The creation of new languages provides unique perspectives on language acquisition.
Brain Function and Plasticity
Saturday, 16 February
Early experience has a lasting impact on our ability to perceive the world. It is widely understood that the brain is initially plastic and that its connections are tuned by early experience to match the environment. Recent evidence indicates that there is also considerable residual plasticity in the adult brain, which has implications for treatment of brain injury and recovery of lost function.
Global Fisheries and Food Supply
Sunday, 17 February
Ecosystem sustainability may be endangered by exploitation. As the rising world population increases demand for food production, the sustainable development of goods and services and the protection of ocean and fisheries environments will be a formidable challenge. Cooperation across scientific disciplines and international borders is crucial to securing the future ocean.