In this issue:

Message to Members: A Platform for Public Engagement in S&T

News to Note: Reports from the AAAS Forum on S&T Policy, Public Voice on Science Issues, Informal Science Education Settings, Stem Cell Guidelines, Biotech Patents, S&T Policy Fellow on the Airwaves

Science Careers: Upcoming Events

Announcements: Science and Human Rights Coalition Meeting, Science Translational Medicine Call for Papers, Science at Special Gift Rates, AAAS Awards Deadlines, Atlas of Science Literacy Workshops

Message to Members

A Platform for Public Engagement in S&T

Dear AAAS Member,

Advancing beyond the traditional approach to public understanding of science, AAAS has moved toward more comprehensive public engagement with science, fostering a broad dialogue through our Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology.

The Center addresses the inherent benefits and also the potential limits and pitfalls of science-related societal issues -- from human embryonic stem cell and global climate change research to the teaching of evolution. The Center provides a vehicle for boosting public awareness and understanding of the nature of science and the work of scientists, while at the same time increasing public input into scientific research and policy agendas. AAAS activities and resources, including the Communicating Science workshops and website, encourage scientists to take a more personal and proactive interest in public engagement. At recent events with museum professionals, AAAS asked educators outside the traditional classroom to include public engagement with science in their education and outreach programs (see News, below).

Also recently, the MacArthur Foundation and the White House Office of S&T Policy (OSTP) asked AAAS for help in developing an online platform that will connect the government to scientists and other experts, and will foster an exchange of ideas on current challenges. Under a MacArthur Foundation grant, the newly created AAAS Policy Innovation Network (PIN) has begun a one-year initial development and demonstration phase to research and design an innovative and effective solution.

I encourage all members of AAAS to join the dialogue. You'll find a helpful resource, Communicating Science: Tools for Scientists and Engineers, at our website: http://www.aaas.org/communicatingscience.


Sincerely,


Alan I. Leshner, CEO, AAAS

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News to Note

AAAS Urges Reevaluation of Key US Stem Cell Issues
Responding to draft National Institutes of Health human stem cell research guidelines, AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner urged reconsideration of three issues. The 20 May comment letter notes that AAAS is "pleased to see NIH move quickly to issue guidelines that will enable scientists to move forward in this crucial field." However, the letter also cites concerns related to informed consent rules, the need to maintain a federal stem cell registry, and the challenges of conducting public and private research within the same facility. The draft guidelines were published in the Federal Register 23 April, after President Barack Obama lifted restrictions set forth in 2001 while urging the development of stringent ethical guidelines. Read more and access the full text of the letter.

AAAS Seminar Explores Public Questions Concerning Biotech Patents
A specialist on patent systems told a seminar at AAAS that the United States is likely to see an increase in challenges to biotech patents as advocacy groups raise broad questions about the creation of modified life forms. The May seminar, the latest in a series on contemporary issues in science, technology, and policy, presented a comparison of the history and future of the US Patent and Trademark Office and its European counterpart. Although both offices are similar in philosophy, the European Patent Office (EPO) allows stronger patent challenges on moral as well as technical grounds. As public concern about potential consequences of biotechnology grows in the United States, patent system experts expect an increased public role in policy making in this area. Read more.

Chinese and US Scientists Plan Joint Projects in Ethics Education
While the United States has been a leader in shaping research ethics for the past 30 years, China's scientific culture and its ethical values began with Confucius, 2,500 years ago. Yet, ethics scholars, science policy officials, and educators from the two nations found common ground during a three-day workshop organized by the China Association for S&T (CAST) and AAAS and held in San Diego, California. The delegations agreed to explore collaborative projects related to education in science ethics, including surveys on misconduct; the training of ethics educators; a collection of case studies; and a practical ethics guidebook. The workshop was the latest engagement in the deepening relationship between the scientific and engineering communities of the leaders in addressing global health, energy, climate, and other challenges. Read more about identified problems and recommended solutions, in both China and the United States.

Exploring New Dimensions of the Brain
At the first annual Hitachi Lectureship at AAAS, two brain researchers described treatments that allow communication with paralyzed persons and easing age-related brain disorders.  Read more.

Scientists Visit Congress
How to influence and win support from members of Congress? Be brief, jargon-free and develop on-going relationships, policy-makers told scientists during a AAAS briefing.  Read more.

Tools for Educating in Informal Science Settings
Recognizing that much science learning occurs outside the classroom, AAAS's pioneering Project 2061 science literacy initiative held a spring workshop for educators in nontraditional science settings. Gaining a new understanding of Project 2061 publications as their guidelines, many of the educators from museums, arboretums, planetariums, and zoos now intend to revamp their exhibits and learning tools. Watch a brief video of the workshop, held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois.

Giving the Public a Voice in Science Issues
During the annual meeting of the American Association of Museums, AAAS public engagement manager Tiffany Lohwater and Museum of Science (Boston) senior vice president Larry Bell promoted a two-way discussion between scientists and the public that encourages citizens to ask questions and voice any concerns about emerging technologies. The speakers described scientific engagement as "based on the belief that both scientists and nonscientists bring valuable knowledge and perspectives to help guide the application of science in society." The presentation was based on a study to help organizations integrate engagement into educational outreach. Read more and access the study.

Hitting the Airwaves "Armed with Science"
AAAS S&T Policy Fellow John Ohab is working as the host of a science radio show at the US Department of Defense. It's the "fish out of water" experience the neuroscientist had hoped for, following seven years in the research lab. As the voice of Pentagon Web Radio's 30-minute weekly "Armed with Science" program, Ohab's topics range from technology used to prevent aircraft collisions to the security risks of Facebook and Twitter, and span all scientific disciplines including biomedical, environmental, and social sciences. The goal of the show is to unite Defense Department scientists with military and civilian audiences. Ohab and 162 other AAAS S&T Policy Fellows are working in the US Congress and the executive branch. Read more and learn about the AAAS S&T Policy Fellows..

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