AAS Policy Sessions at #AAS227 in Kissimmee
Heather Bloemhard Vanderbilt University
The 227th AAS meeting in Kissimmee, Florida, is less than a month away. If you're like me, you're frantically planning your schedule, trying to figure out how you can attend as many workshops, plenaries, and science sessions as possible and still manage to be prepared for your own talk or poster. Are you interested in attending sessions that cross the boundaries between science, communication, and policy? If so, here are three that you'll want to be sure to put on your schedule. All are at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.
Tuesday, 5 January, 3:40-4:30 pm, Osceola C: France Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation, "A New Universe of Discoveries"
This is a plenary talk and discussion where we will hear about how the NSF supports the astronomical sciences. Dr. Córdova wants plenty of time to answer questions from the community, so we are soliciting questions in advance from AAS members, as noted in an earlier post; please submit your questions by 18 December.
Tuesday, 5 January, 6:30-7:30 pm, Orange Blossom Ballroom: AAS Advocacy Town Hall with a Panel of CVD Participants
Have you ever wondered why you (as a scientist) should care about public policy? Or maybe you've wondered how to get involved? This town hall will include a panel of AAS members who have taken a step in the direction of science policy through the Congressional Visits Day (CVD) program. They'll discuss some of their motivations for volunteering for CVD and what they got out of the experience. Attend to learn more and ask your questions!
AAS volunteers at Congressional Visits Day 2015.
Session Abstract: Every year the AAS organizes a group of volunteer members to visit policymakers in Washington, DC, for a Congressional Visits Day (CVD). These volunteers get first-hand experience advocating for the astronomical sciences through meetings with Congressional staffers, agency representatives, and OMB and OSTP employees. The AAS Public Policy staff will present a brief overview of the astronomical science policy landscape and the society’s advocacy efforts. This will lead us into an open discussion with a panel of former CVD participants. We encourage anyone interested in engaging in science policy and advocacy to attend and participate in the discussion.
Wednesday, 6 January, 11:40 am − 12:30 pm, Osceola C: William H. Press, Raymer Professor of Computer Science and Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, "Science to Action: Thoughts on Convincing a Skeptical Public"
In addition to his many academic accomplishments, Dr. Press is a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and a former president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). As such, he has experience bridging the gap between scientists and the public. In this plenary talk, Dr. Press will provide some insight on the question of how to communicate with a public that distrusts the science when it comes to certain topics.
If for some reason you can't attend any of these sessions, then feel free to connect with us elsewhere at the meeting. You can expect to find us at the AAS booth, ducking into a session, or wandering around the posters. You can also e-mail Joel or Heather, or get in touch with us via Twitter (@AAS_Policy).