The next generation of civic scientists — scientists and engineers who use their knowledge, accomplishments and skills to help bridge the gap between science and society — will have to contend with enormous challenges in the coming decades, from climate change to new public health risks. This symposium explored topics of interest for early career professionals and the general public, including the development of fact-based policies that serve the public good, the role of the national academies in policymaking, and opportunities to communicate science to the public and participate in public policy at all levels of government. Speakers from the national academies, research institutions and the Texas Legislature highlighted the many processes, levers and stakeholders that anyone involved with science policy should be aware of. The symposium also served as a forum for attendees to meet others interested in science policy in Houston and beyond.
This event was part of the Civic Scientist Lecture Series sponsored by the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program and the Rice Science Policy Network, with generous support provided by Benjamin and Winifer Cheng, Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. Additional funding was provided by Rice University’s Student Activities/President's Programming Fund, the Baker Institute Student Forum and a Graduate Student Association enrichment grant.
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For more information and to get involved with the Rice Science Policy Network and the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program, email stpolicy@rice.edu.
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Agenda
9:00 am
Coffee and Networking
9:30 am
Opening Address
Kirstin Matthews, Ph.D.
Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
Adam Navara
Ph.D. Student, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University
10:00 am
How Students Can Engage with Science Policy Immediately
Moderated by: Adam Navara, Ph.D. Student, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University
Adriana Bankston, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Publisher, Journal of Science Policy & Governance; Principal Legislative Analyst, University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations
10:30 am
Panel
Moderated by: Adam Navara, Ph.D. Student, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University
Neal Lane, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute; Professor of Physics and Astronomy Emeritus, Rice University
Rachel Meidl LP.D., CHMM
Fellow in Energy and Environment, Baker Institute
Scott Solomon, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of BioSciences, Rice University; Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History; Science Communicator
Noon
Lunch
1:00 pmKeynote Address: The Role of National Academies in Policymaking
Moderated by: Jordin Metz, Ph.D. Student, Department of Chemistry, Rice University
Marcia McNutt, Ph.D.
President, National Academy of Sciences
The Role of Scientists and Engineers in City, County and Statewide Policymaking
Moderated by: Jordin Metz, Ph.D. Student, Department of Chemistry, Rice University
The Honorable Carol Alvarado
Texas Senator, District 6
Coffee Break
3:15 pmBreakout Groups and Networking
4:30 pmAdjourn