Symposium on the Ethical Challenges of Communicating Science
Matthew C. Nisbet
Friday, 13 May 2011 at 7:30 pm – Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
Matthew Nisbet is a social scientist who studies strategic communication in policymaking and public affairs, focusing on debates over science, the environment and public health. His keynote address is titled "Climate Shift: Clear Vision for the Next Decade of Public Debate." Nisbet will present the findings of a study of the financial resources, strategies, and communication activities of environmental groups and scientists working to mobilize societal action on climate change and compare them to a comparable study of conservative groups and industry associations that oppose action. A discussion of the implications for universities, as institutions engaged in research, education, and public engagement, will follow. Matthew Nisbet is an associate professor in the School of Communication at the American University in Washington, DC. Keynote Address - Summer Symposium on the Ethical Challenges of Communicating Science within Political Controversies.A dessert reception will follow the talk.
For more information, click here.
Matthew Nisbet's research examining the debates over climate change and energy policy was funded by the Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He earned an AB in government from Dartmouth College and an MS and PhD in communications from Cornell University. In 2011 he was named a Google Science Communication Fellow in recognition of his work on climate change.
Symposium Schedule
Friday, May 13
Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
7:30 p.m.
Keynote - Climate Shift: Clear Vision for the Next Decade of Public Debate, Matthew Nisbet
Saturday, May 14
Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
9:30 a.m.
Session 1 - Debating Science: Ethics Education and Deliberation - Dane Scott, University of Montana
10:45 a.m.
Session 2 - Ethics and Risk Communication - Paul Thompson, Michigan State University
Noon - 1:00 p.m., Free Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Session 3 - Frames vs. Narratives: Ethical Considerations in Science Communication - Michael Dahlstrom, Iowa State University
2:15 p.m.
Session 4 - Climate Debate - Matthew Nisbet, American University
3:30 p.m.
Roundtable Discussion
The symposium is free and open to the public and includes lunch. Registration is required at http://scicomisu.wordpress.com/sci-comm-ethics-symposium/.
Cosponsored By:
- Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
- Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.