S&S Distinguished Speaker Series: Policy Literacy for Scientists

The relationship between science and society is fraught with complexity, bias and uncertainty. While much has been said and written about the “public side” of the relationship and the need for a more scientifically literate public, including policy makers, much less attention has been given to the behavior and responsibilities of scientists in that relationship, particularly when science is intended/expected to inform public policy. This presentation will focus on the latter, describing the challenges that scientists face in the policy arena and offering recommendations for improving the science-society relationship.

Mark S. Frankel, PhD, is director of the Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program at AAAS, where he develops and manages AAAS’s activities related to the ethical, human rights, and legal aspects of science and technology. At AAAS, he has directed projects on research integrity and scientific misconduct; advocacy in science; and the implications of advances in neuroscience research for the legal system. Dr. Frankel is a former member of the Boards of Directors of the National Patient Safety Foundation and the Food and Drug Law Institute and currently sits on the Boards of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation at Arizona State University and the International Neuroethics Society. He serves on the editorial boards of Science and Engineering Ethics and the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics. He is editor of AAAS’s quarterly publication, Professional Ethics Report, and a Fellow of AAAS.

This event is open to the public and will be followed by a reception from 6-7 p.m.