About the conference

“The Rightful Place of Science” will address the challenges facing a society that is at once utterly dependent on science and technology and yet equally unprepared to govern the implications of that dependence. In his inaugural address, President Obama promised to “restore science to its rightful place” in U.S. society, but that location is far from obvious. How can we understand this provocative formulation in the context of the complexity, uncertainty, and political, social and cultural diversity that mark our world?

In this conference – amid art, music, literature, media, humor and more – we will explore the place of science in society and how science and technology can most effectively contribute to an improved quality of life for all. The transformative potential of science and technology challenges our ability to understand and shape our common destiny. What inquiries, communities, networks, and institutions can improve our ability to effectively engage this challenge?

The conference program will include a mix of:
  • keynote speakers to catalyze our thinking
  • “exemplars” of innovative approaches to managing the promises and complexities of science and technology,
  • participant-led roundtables that will broaden our agenda; and
  • the next generation of scholars, decision makers, and communicators who will take our ideas forward.

Among the outcomes of the conference will be a strengthened community of science and technology policy scholars and practitioners and a more developed research, education and outreach agenda to enhance linkages between scientific and technological research and beneficial societal outcomes – a well-centered place for science, in the midst of an engaged society.

 
May 16-19, 2010
Mission Palms Hotel
Tempe, Arizona
rethink the role of science in society
The original works of art shown on this site are by artist Audrey Riley, http://www.rileyco.com [read the artist's statement]
Top: Conversation, 2008/2009, pyrography, colored pencil, acrylic, ink, collage and encaustic on yardsticks
Center: Evolvelove, 2006, colored pencil, pyrography, acrylic, collage, ink on yardsticks