Avian Flu Diary: AAAS Webinar: Science Is Not Enough

# 6155

Yesterday, in Science at the Crossroads, I wrote about the public’s growing mistrust in science and in the scientific community. There are deep divisions over scientific claims of climate change, vaccine safety, the safety of genetically modified crops, and even the theory of evolution.

While there are many external reasons for this divide (including tabloid journalism, and the proliferation of pseudo-science on the internet), the way that scientists communicate about science is at least partially to blame.

The decision yesterday afternoon by the World Health Organization to hold back on the publication of controversial H5N1 research until they can `increase public awareness and understanding of this research’ would seem a tacit acknowledgment that scientists need to do a better job in communicating with the public.

Later today, the AAAS will webcast a plenary lecture on this very subject.

Science Is Not Enough: Plenary Panel and Live Webcast

18 February 2012
5:00-6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building, Ballroom C

Live-tweet your questions to #AAASmtg

Why do so many political leaders and citizens remain unconcerned about climate change, water scarcity, fisheries depletion, and a host of other science-related global challenges?

An exceptional plenary panel at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting will explore how scientists, educators, and students can help influence public perceptions and debate about science-related global challenges.

The panel will be moderated by Frank Sesno, an award-winning American journalist, former CNN correspondent, anchor and Washington bureau chief, and director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University.

AAAS President Nina Fedoroff, a leading geneticist and molecular biologist, will preside. Fedoroff is Evan Pugh Professor of Biology and Willaman Professor of Life Science at Pennsylvania State University. She is also a distinguished visiting professor at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

Panelists

James Hansen

Director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies; Adjunct Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University

Olivia Judson

Research Fellow, Imperial College London

Hans Rosling

Professor of International Health, Karolinska Institute; Co-Founder, Gapminder Foundation