MEDIA ADVISORY: MU to host symposium on science outreach and communication

September 21st, 2013

WHAT :
Effectively communicating science to the public will be the topic of a symposium on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the University of Missouri. The event will help scientists identify the skills they need to communicate their research to audiences of all ages. The event also will showcase innovative science outreach programs at colleges and universities across the Midwest.

“Our goal is to broaden young scientists’ awareness of the importance of communication and outreach to their future careers and provide them with some ideas to guide their paths,” said Hannah Alexander, an adjunct faculty member in the MU Division of Biological Sciences who helped organize the symposium.

WHO:
Featured speakers include:

• Karen Cone, program director in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology and acting deputy division director of the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems at the National Science Foundation, will speak about science outreach and communication as it relates to the foundation’s “broader impact” requirement.

• Billy Hudson, Elliott V. Newman Professor of medicine, biochemistry and pathology and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Matrix Biology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, launched the Aspirnaut Initiative, a project designed to elevate math and science achievement of rural students by transforming idle time on long school bus rides into productive learning time.
• Monica Metzler is the founding president of the Illinois Science Council, a nonprofit organization in Chicago that creates engaging public programs for adults to increase awareness and appreciation of science and technology.

WHERE:
Leadership Auditorium, MU Student Center

WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 21
For a full schedule, please visit http://asbmb-career-symposium.missouri.edu/agenda/.

NOTE:
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is sponsoring the symposium.