Tom Gething has invited FOSEP members to a special discussion about ethics training at the UW. For more information and reading material, please email Beth
Professor Ackerman will talk to us about the link between US Energy Policy and Climate Change. Can/does climate science influence energy policy? Can we improve the current situation? Suggested readings from Professor Ackerman will be posted on the FOSEP website. Professor Ackerman is Director of Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Oceans (JISAO) and Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at UW.
Please RSVP to lleahy@u.washington.edu if you plan to attend
Please click here to download Tom Ackerman's biography. Suggested reading material for the discussion can be found here .
Paul "PZ" Myers is persona non grata at the Discovery Institute. He was recently booted out of a screening of the film "Expelled"-an irony certainly not lost on him. And now the evolutionary biologist and rabble-rouser blogger is coming to Seattle for one night only. He'll be talking about the evolution of creationism and other oxymoronic topics with the same zeal and wit that have made him one of the fittest survivors on the science blog circuit.
Join the Northwest Science Writers Association and the Forum on Science Ethics and Policy for a conversation with PZ Myers. He'll answer your questions and take us inside his popular blog, Pharyngula. He's been called a "godless liberal" and his blog posts have been described as "random biological ejaculations." And that's just what he says. Others have attacked him for his stout devotion to evolution and probably for being funnier than those he offends. His talk will describe the challenges of communicating science to a sometimes hostile and often terribly confused public.
Federal policy makers rely heavily on input from academic experts to inform decisions. How do some experts become trusted advisors, and how much does their advice really matter? Dr. Roberts will give a quick primer on the federal science policy process and the ways in which policy makers gather and use expert information. She will then share tips on how you, as academic experts, can inform the federal policy process from any field of study or career stage.
Michael Lazarus directs the Seattle office of Stockholm Environment Institute-US. His current research focuses on energy and international climate change policy, and on state and local energy and climate change initiatives within the US. He brings over 20 years of professional experience in energy and environmental analysis and capacity building. He has worked throughout North America, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe with support from government agencies, development banks, foundations, utilities, and non-profit groups. Since 2002, he has been a member of the Methodology Panel of the Clean Development Mechanism, the project-based emission reduction trading program of the Kyoto Protocol. During the 2005-2006 academic year, he was a visiting researcher at the Energy Policy and Economics Institute at the University of Grenoble, France. Michael received an M.S. in Energy and Resources from the University of California, Berkeley in 1984.
Please RSVP to Maris if you plan to attend
Suggested reading material: Climate Change Speech and Climate Change Q and A .
Dr. Steele will lead a discussion on current issues and challenges in global health.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco is a professor of marine ecology at Oregon State University, where she is actively engaged in teaching, research, synthesis and communication of scientific knowledge. She is a past president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Her expertise includes coastal ocean ecosystems and the human/environment nexus, with special emphasis on biodiversity, climate change, sustainability science, and marine reserves. Lubchenco co-founded 4 organizations that advance ocean sciences or teach environmental scientists to be more effective communicators of scientific information to the public, policy makers, the media and the private sector (PISCO: the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans, COMPASS: the Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea, the Leopold Leadership Program, and Climate Central). 8 of her publications are science 'citation classic' papers. Lubchenco is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and AAAS's Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology.
Lubchenco's talk "Scientists' New Social Contract with Society: Communicating Climate Science and more" will discuss her views of the responsibilities of scientists to communicate knowledge to lay audiences and new scientific findings about climate change and communications.
Dr Bradley is a Professor of Forest Resources and Adjunct Professor of Urban Design and Planning. His current work explores the role that visual preference surveys play in the development of land use plans and natural resource management programs and policies: "Many aspects of planning and program development rely on strategies that do not make explicit the potential effects of programs in a way that is generally understood by a wide range of affected parties. Visual representations may serve as a more powerful means of communicating the effects planning proposals. A common understanding amongst all participants may serve to minimize conflict." For this FOSEP discussion, he will be doing a short powerpoint presentation about a project done by some of his graduate students using scientific methods to inform policy at the local government level.
Dr. Bradley also serves on several state and local advisory panels, and served two terms on the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, a 15 member panel appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Food will be provided, please bring your own drink
Dr Wylie is a professor in the Dept of Philosophy. Her areas of specialization are philosophy of the social and historical sciences, specifically archaeology, and feminist philosophy of science. She is also one of the organizers of the UW Science Studies Network, which brings together faculty and graduate students who represent three broad constituencies with interests in science studies: history and philosophy of science; cultural studies of science; and ethics, equity, and policy issues in science. She will tell us about the field of science studies and the activities of the Science Studies Network. We will then discuss what scientists can learn from this field, and how to create more collaboration between scientists and science studies experts.
Food will be provided. Please bring your own drinks. Please RSVP to Anne-Marie if you can make it.
Please read the following articles before coming to the discussion. Food will be served!
Racial Categories in Medical Practice: How Useful Are They? Braun et al. 2007 PLoS Medicine Vol4 Issue 9 pp. 1423 - 1427.
Racial Categories in Medicine: A Failure of Evidence-Based Practice? Ellison et al. 2007 PLoS Medicine Vol4 Issue 9 pp. 1434 - 1436.
Dr. Nalini Nadkarni is known as "The Queen of the Forest Canopy". She is on the faculty at The Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Washington. Her research concerns the ecology of tropical and temperate forest canopies, particularly the roles that canopy-dwelling plants play in forests. In 1994, she co-founded the International Canopy Network, a non-profit organization to foster communication among researchers, educators, and conservationists concerned with forest canopies. Dr. Nadkarni's recent efforts are to integrate aspects of artistic expression with scientific documentation of the natural world. She has recently expanded her outreach work by establishing the NSF-funded "Research Ambassador Program" in which she trains other scientists to do outreach to non-traditional public audiences in non-traditional venues, such as prisons, churches, skateboard parks, and rap music clubs.
This seminar is sponsored by the Cell and Molecular Biology Training Grant.
Professor Nisbet is a social scientist who studies the nature and impacts of strategic communication. His current work tracks scientific and environmental controversies, examining the interactions between experts, journalists, and various publics. In this research, Nisbet studies how news coverage reflects and shapes policy, how strategists try to mold public opinion, and how citizens make sense of controversies. He has analyzed a wide range of debates, including those over stem cell research, global warming, intelligent design-creationism, plant biotechnology, and hurricanes. Nisbet tracks current events related to strategic communication at his blog, Framing Science, which was recently recognized by the NY Daily News as one of the Web's top political blogs.
Discussion group to follow: "When Science turns Political: Tips and Tools for Communicating Science" with Matt Nisbet and Chris Mooney at 3pm in Communications Building CMU 126
In this public presentation, journalist Chris Mooney and communication professor Matthew Nisbet explain how scientists and their allies can "reframe" old debates in new ways, remaining true to the science but taking advantage of a fragmented media environment to connect with a broader American public. Drawing on case studies from the battles over stem cell research, evolution, global warming, hurricanes, and other subjects, a key point of emphasis will be that scientists must adopt a language that emphasizes shared values and has broad appeal, avoiding the mistake of talking down to fellow citizens or attacking their religious beliefs.
Innovative strategies for public engagement could not be more urgent: Science will figure, as never before, in the 2008 presidential campaign and beyond. Scientific "facts" will increasingly be pulled into fraught political contexts, and bent and twisted in myriad ways. This political environment can seem perplexing to scientists, but it's one to which they must adapt if they want their hard-won knowledge to play its necessary role in shaping the future of our nation.
To read their recent Science article click here . Note: you will need a subscription to access the article.
Click here for more information
Ravenna Third Place Bookstore in Seattle is at the corner of 20th Ave NE and NE 65th Street. Free parking is available.
Keith Kegley is an experienced technology evangelist and entrepreneur. He has worked for IBM, Microsoft, Spot Runner and has started and sold two technology companies. Keith worked for Microsoft for 13 years and while there pitched and then led the project that became Universal Serial Bus (USB), he also launched the ergonomic keyboard product line and was an early member of the technology and product teams that shipped Internet Explorer, Internet Information Server and MSN. In his last role he built and launched a new micro-payment platform used by Xbox, Zune and Microsoft Windows to support online transactions in emerging markets and low cost digital downloads in 23 markets. Keith currently leads the Product Development effort for Spot Runner, a new technology startup based in Los Angeles, that has a revolutionary new approach to produce and purchase television advertising.
Internet neutrality is the concept that the physical implementation of the internet should be neutral to its content. The concept gained visibility when telecom companies considered prioritizing internet access to selective content - either by linking fast or quality connection to a webpage to a fee, or by transmitting their own preferred material preferentially. Telecom companies, on the other hand, argue that they have the right to use a capitalistic model to offer their clients competitive services, and disagree that allowing this behavior will impede the flow of information. They see only unnecessary government interference.
Read More:
Much work to be done to preserve net neutrality, Seattle Times, Feb. 2, 2007
H.R. 5252: Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006
Defeat for net neutrality backers, BBC, June 9, 2006
This seminar was sponsored by the UW Department of Computer Science
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Andrew Dessler is an environmental scientist who is actively engaged in research on both the science and politics of climate change. His scientific research revolves around climate feedbacks, in particular how water vapor and clouds act to amplify warming from the carbon dioxide that humans emit. His interest in the politics of climate change arose after spending the last year of the Clinton Administration as a Senior Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Based on that experience, he coauthored a book, The science and politics of global climate change: A guide to the debate. He is presently an associate professor in the Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University. His educational background includes a B.A. in physics from Rice University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard University. He also did postdoctoral work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and spent nine years on the research faculty of the University of Maryland. He is also an avid glider pilot, where each flight puts his theoretical knowledge of the atmosphere to a concrete test.
This seminar was sponsored by the UW College of Forest Resources and the UW Program on Climate Change.
Click here to download a PDF of Dr. Dessler's talk
Are women at a disadvantage when it comes to succeeding in science and engineering? Despite the increased numbers of female students in science and engineering over the past few decades, women are not found in the same proportions in the upper levels of science and engineering academia.
A recent article in the New York Times explores these important issues:
Women in Science: The Battle Moves to the Trenches
Cornelia Dean. New York Times. (Late Edition (east Coast)). New York,
N.Y.:Dec 19, 2006. p. F.1 (note: abstract only, subscription required to view entire article)
Dr. Surawicz graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1973. She completed Internal Medicine residency and a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Washington school of medicine in Seattle, following which she joined the faculty in the Gastroenterology Division. She is now Professor of Medicine as well as Section Chief in Gastroenterology at Harborview Medical Center, one of the teaching hospitals. She was appointed in 2002 as the first Assistant Dean for Faculty Development for the medical school, a position she still holds. She has had extensive experience in clinical research, teaching and administration, and continues to be active clinically in gastroenterology. She has been listed in Best Doctors in America and America's Top Doctors several times. On a national level, she served as chair of the American College of Gastroenterology women's committee and was the founding chair of the Gastroenterology women's coalition which brought together women's groups from the 4 major GI societies in 1992. She served as the President of the American College of Gastroenterology in 1998-99. She was President of the Western Association of Physicians in 2005-06. She has extensive clinical experience with Clostridium difficile infection and research on the use of probiotics to treat recurrent C. difficile disease.
^topJoana Ramos is an independent consultant in oncology social work. She is a graduate of Boston University and the University of Washington School of Social Work. She was trained and worked as a community health educator in Brazil, where she initially served as a Peace Corps volunteer. Additionally, she was trained as a medical interpreter. currently serves as an advisor to cancer patient groups and professional organizations in the USA and several other countries, primarily in Latin America Read her talking points here
How can we make science more pervasive in society - not just something that happens in school, but something people pursue in their free time? Come and discuss this important question with Dr. Dennis Schatz. A research solar astronomer prior to his career in science education, Dr. Schatz worked at the University of California, Berkeley, prior to moving to Seattle in 1977. He provides leadership to Pacific Science Center's science education programs, which includes a broad range of programs serving teachers, students, community-based organizations and families across Washington State. He co-directs Washington State LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform), a program to implement a quality K-8 science program in all 296 school districts in Washington State. He is presently President of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. He has received numerous honors, including the 1996 Distinguished Informal Science Educator Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). He recently received NSTA? 2005 lifetime achievement award (Distinguished Service to Science Education). He is the author of 18 science books for children, including the popular Totally Series of six books (Totally Dinosaurs in 2000 to Totally Sea Creatures in 2003). Read more here
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Dr. Neal Lane is the Malcolm Gillis University Professor at Rice University. He also holds appointments as Senior Fellow of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, where he is engaged in matters of science and technology policy, and in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Prior to returning to Rice University, Dr. Lane served in the Federal government as Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, from August 1998 to January 2001, and as Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and member (ex officio) of the National Science Board, from October 1993 to August 1998. Before becoming the NSF Director, Dr. Lane was Provost and Professor of Physics at Rice University in Houston, Texas, a position he had held since 1986. He first came to Rice in 1966, when he joined the Department of Physics as an assistant professor. In 1972, he became Professor of Physics and Space Physics and Astronomy. He left Rice from mid-1984 to 1986 to serve as Chancellor of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In addition, from 1979 to 1980, while on leave from Rice, he worked at the NSF as Director of the Division of Physics.Widely regarded as a distinguished scientist and educator, Dr. Lane? many writings and presentations include topics in theoretical atomic and molecular physics and science and technology policy.
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It seems like science is in public view more so today than in the past, and not always for the best reasons. For example, the Union of Concerned Scientists and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), have in recent years highlight the "misuse" of science by the Administration of George W. Bush, prompting a vigorous rebuttal. In addition, issues such as scientific advisory panels, prescription drugs, global climate change, stem cell research, and terrorism are forcing science into the public eye. Dr. Pielke's talk will take a critical perspective on the current state of science, policy, and politics in the United States with a particular emphasis on the role of experts in science in policy and politics.
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Uncertainty is ever present in decision making. But even as scientists typically have sophisticated understandings of uncertainty itself, such understandings are infrequently accompanied by a corresponding sophistication in decision making in the face of uncertainty. This talk will discuss a range of experiences in dealing with scientific uncertainty in policymaking to suggest how the scientific community might more effectively contribute useful guidance on important policy issues characterized by fundamental uncertainties. Dr. Pielke's talk will emphasize both the use of science in decision making, but also decisions that are made about science, typically under an expectation that the results of resulting research will inform decision making. Consequently, issues of values, ethics and politics are inescapable when one confronts scientific uncertainty in policy making.
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Last year, American farmers grew more genetically-modified (GM) crops than ever before. About 75% of the processed foods in U.S. stores are estimated to contain ingredients derived from GM crops. Concerns have been raised about food safety and environmental risks, the ethics of seed patenting, and economic impact of GM crops on small farmers. The controversy has spilled over into the international trade arena, leading to a U.S. trade complaint against the EU, where consumer opposition to biotech foods is strong. Few technologies have generated so much global confusion and conflict as GM food. Why is this technology so controversial? The lecture will review the current state of science on GM crops and discuss the key role of values in shaping public attitudes and the different political responses to the technology around the world.
Click here for the video of Mr. Rodemeyer's talk
Click here to hear Mr. Rodemeyer on "The Conversation", a local news talk radio program on KUOW 94.9
Click here to see our topics page on Genetically Modified Organisms
Opinion pieces by Michael Rodemeyer:
Technology moves faster than regulators USA Today Corn fight, Science suffers when the debate gets personal San Francisco Chronicle
Over 750 members of the community, local scientists, and elected officials came together to explore the issues surrounding stem cell research at FOSEP's first annual Public Forum. The event featured three expert panelists:
Science, therapies, and research challenges
Lawrence Goldstein, Ph.D. Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego; Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Chair of Public Policy, American Society for Cell Biology
Ethical Considerations
Jeffery Kahn, Ph.D., M.P.H. Director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Minnesota
Stem Cell Policy: What are our options?
Anna Mastroianni, J.D., M.P.H. Assistant professor of Law and Public Health Genetics and Greenwall Faculty Scholar on Bioethics, University of Washington
Click here for the video of the Forum courtesy of the Seattle Channel
Click here to see our topics page on Stem Cells and Cloning
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When a new scientific advance breaks through the news barrier and enters public awareness, as cloning Dolly or culturing stem cell lines has done, questions arise. We often hear a range of views from enthusiasm to outrage. Careful reflection to assess what is really at issue and what, for that matter, is really new is woefully rare. Surely, it often seems, we are on the brink of a new cliff, about to plunge off or to soar away to new heights. Yet history's lessons teach us that momentary novelties often turn to routine and that the cliff really is often just a bump in the road. In vitro fertilization, for example, was hotly contested in the late 1970s but is now both a routine treatment for infertility and a potential source of pre-implantation embryos for research. To put our current debate in perspective, we will look at the history of embryo research with a focus on cloning, underlying epistemological assumptions, and bioethical discussions. What regulations - if any - are needed to be sure that we don't plunge off the cliff this time? In the end, Maienschein contends, we can learn a lot from history.
Click here for the video of Dr. Maienschein's talk (part 1 of 2)
Click here for the video of Dr. Maienschein's talk (part 2 of 2)
Click here to see our topics page on Stem Cells and Cloning
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