Communicating Science Seminar at 2015 AAAS Annual Meeting

Scientific and technological issues may trigger societal conflict when they intersect with personal or political views. Today’s scientists and engineers are challenged to communicate and engage with the public, particularly amid pressure on research budgets and related concerns about transparency and accountability. This seminar will share expertise for scientists participating in science communication and public engagement.

The seminar is open to everyone. To register for the seminar only, start at the AAAS Annual Meeting registration site and choose the appropriate button to get started (e.g. General Attendee). Follow the instructions to complete your registration. You can either register for the full AAAS Annual Meeting if you plan to attend, or there is a free registration option for the Communicating Science seminar only if you are not attending the AAAS Annual Meeting. Select the "Communicating Science Seminar" sessions when you get to the "Your Events" page.

For those who cannot attend the seminar in person, both sessions will be live-streamed on this page. Advance registration is not required to view the livestream. Please submit questions for the panels during the event by tweeting @MeetAScientist with #scicomm and #AAASmtg. Archived footage will be freely available after the seminar.

Scientists Communicating Challenging Issues

Thursday, 12 February 2015: 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Room 210ABEF (San Jose Convention Center)

What makes a scientific issue particularly prone to public ‘controversy’? Explore insights from social science research on how and why scientific research can trigger societal tension. Learn practical tips for communicating challenging issues and hear how scientists navigate these issues. Climate change will be used as a case study, but the discussion will address many topics.

Moderator:

• Susanne C. Moser, Susanne Moser Research and Consulting, and Stanford University Center for Ocean Solutions

Speakers:

• Noah S. Diffenbaugh, Stanford University
• Kathleen Hall Jamieson, University of Pennsylvania
• Lisa Krieger, San Jose Mercury News

Public Engagement for Scientists: Realities, Risks, and Rewards

Thursday, 12 February 2015: 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Room 210ABEF (San Jose Convention Center)

Scientists involved in public engagement activities—such as participation in public communication, citizen science projects, or social media—may experience a tension between their academic and public engagement identities. Learn practical, research-based insights to understand the realities, risks, and rewards for scientists participating in public engagement.

Moderator:

• Bruce V. Lewenstein, Cornell University

Speakers:

• Elizabeth Babcock, California Academy of Sciences
• Heidi Ballard, University of California, Davis
• Anthony Dudo, University of Texas, Austin
• Nalini M. Nadkarni, University of Utah