A Fulbright Academy Dialogue on Science & Society
Fighting Inertia for Lasting Change
Liverpool, UK - September 7-8, 2008
(with other science events on preceding and subsequent days)
Why is it that people sometimes do, and sometimes don't, take notice of what science is saying? How much is it to do with poor communication on the part of scientists and how much is it to do with the receptiveness of people, government officials and the policy community to new and emerging ideas? How can we better understand the complex relationships between science and policy and develop tools which better serve science, policy and society?
This dialogue will explore case studies such as environmental policy, medical ethics or sustainability research. In addition to panel discussions with experts, we also will be spend 90 minutes in smaller groups - discussing how we as individuals/ employees/ voters/ consumers can speed up (or impede) change and innovation.
This program is open to the public. Registration is through the British Association for the Advancement of Science www.the-ba.net.
The Fulbright Academy of Science & Technology (FAST) links leading researchers, scientists and executives worldwide to participate in this international dialogue on science and society. The dialogue will draw on the diverse knowledge and experiences of Fulbright scholars and alumni to address questions of global concern. Fulbright Academy Dialogues are designed to facilitate discussion and the exchange of ideas. There will be many opportunities for participants to present their views. If you are not familiar with the Fulbright Academy and our work, please watch our short video: FAST is a Blast!.
FAST is seeking self-nominations of individuals who would like to speak on one of our panels or present research in the poster session that will accompany our dialogue. To do so, please send an abstract or your resume to info@FulbrightAcademy.org.
This two-day program takes place in conjunction with the annual Festival of Science - a week-long program of events organized by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. The Dialogue will take place on Monday, 8 September. On the previous day (Sunday, 7 September), the participants can attend other programs organized by the BA, or they can participate in a small group program organized by the FAST.
According to the BA's website:
"In September 2008 science and culture collide as Liverpool experiences an explosion of science. From hands on family days to debates on current hot topics; from trips to places of interest to unique opportunities to question the UK’s top scientists, with over 150 events, the BA Festival of Science offers something for everyone. Find out how Liverpool’s maritime traditions have influenced medicine and migration. Tell us your memories of the Beatles and join in a massive worldwide experiment 'Magical memory tour' which will take you on a journey of the memory and how it works.
The 2008 BA Festival President is Sir David King. The theme he has chosen is 'Sustainability through Science'. Sir David was appointed as the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser and Head of the Office of Science and Technology in October 2000. During his time in office, his work has included developing a sustainable long-term strategy for the UK’s energy policy and he was heavily involved in producing the UK's ten-year Science and Innovation Framework, which is applicable until 2014. He runs the Government's Foresight Programme, which aims to provide challenging visions of the future, to ensure that effective strategies are developed now.
The Fulbright Academy Dialogue is on Monday, so you can come to Liverpool for the weekend and stay over for the start of the workweek. The BA's weekend program includes special events for children.
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