The American Association for the Advancement of Science will hold its 44th annual Forum on Science & Technology Policy on May 2-3 in Washington, D.C., bringing together members of the science and policy communities to discuss the theme “Strengthening Science and Its Benefits to Society.”
Kelvin Droegemeier, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will deliver the Forum’s opening keynote address on “A Bold New Era of American Science and Technology.”
Other featured speakers include former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who will deliver the William D. Carey Lecture on May 2 at 6 p.m. Moniz, who currently serves as co-chair and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, will speak on energy technology innovation. Jane Lubchenco, distinguished university professor at Oregon State University, will give the Gilbert S. Omenn Grand Challenges Address on “Climate Ocean Action: Connecting the Dots to People.”
Other speakers will address the relationship between science, policy and society in a wide range of keynote speeches, general sessions and panel discussions. Topics include the current state of the scientific enterprise; the role of scientists, institutions and society in setting research agendas; and the efficacy of scientific and technological responses to climate change. Speakers also will examine how best to accelerate scientific innovation to benefit society and how to improve the culture of STEM research and education.
“The Forum will explore how to strengthen science and technology, and their relationship to policy. It will highlight how the nation’s research agenda addresses pressing societal needs,” said Maureen Kearney, AAAS chief program officer. “Inherent in this is the need to build on public trust in, and public support for, science and evidence-based policymaking.”
Attendees can also take part in breakout sessions on a broad swath of special topics: the effects of China’s science and technology efforts on U.S. research, the role of data science in public health, voting technology and policy and the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
The Forum, the pre-eminent public meeting in the United States on science and technology policy issues, is open to scientists and engineers, research administrators, industrial R&D managers, policymakers, association officials, federal grant recipients, students, science diplomats, government affairs specialists, public affairs officers, journalists, science writers, and others with an interest in the intersection of policy with science and technology.
The full program is available on the Forum website.