Event description:
This conversation will bring together senior members of the UK scientific community to contribute to a report on the state of pure (‘basic’ science) research around the world. This discussion, along with similar discussions hosted by the other 13 Aspen Partners, will contribute to a final report by Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Program in order to produce documents and initiatives globally.
This event will be held virtually and participation is by invitation only. For further information contact us at [email protected].
The Aspen Institute Science & Society Program Director Dr Aaron Mertz and Aspen Institute UK CEO Penny Richards will co-moderate the discussion.
Event background:
Scientific research and innovation are principally responsible for decades of economic growth, medical advances, and enhanced national security. Yet, society has failed to elevate these contributions—through education, communication, and access—in order to build public appreciation for science:
- Scientific expertise is being challenged, and consensus on topics from climate change to vaccine safety is no longer assumed to be valid.
- Political leaders are increasingly willing to distort research findings, target scientists for ideological reasons, and compromise scientific integrity in favour of special interests.
- Institutional leadership has failed to support diversity in the STEM workforce and emphasize mastery of 21st-century STEM skills within underserved communities, limiting the available talent pool.
The Aspen Institute Science & Society Program seeks to reverse these trends. Our mission is to democratize science as a guiding force for public good. To accomplish that goal, we convene experts in solutions-oriented strategy session, mobilize a diverse constituency of science advocates, and implement public outreach efforts and initiatives.