Policy Catalyst

The goal of Innovation 2008 is to bring scientists together with policymakers and the public, to help move the United States toward policies that are better informed by scientific realities, and to help scientists, engineers and the scientific community as a whole become more engaged in the political process.

At the time of this conference, held on the University of Minnesota Campus, we will be just two weeks away from the next presidential election. Soon after, the next administration will begin to set national science policy for the next four years (if not eight years). The policies that are created will determine how we educate the next generation of scientists and engineers, what priorities we will have for research funding and how we will tackle the challenges we face in terms of energy, health, the environment and national security.

Presentations by: • Ira Flatow Host and Executive Producer, Talk of the Nation: Science Friday, NPR • Solutions Twin Cities Artists Join us on October 21st from 11:30-2:00 at the McNamara Alumni Center for a unique fusion of science policy and art. At the time of this event we will be two weeks away from deciding on a new president. Science is a component of all the major challenges that administration will face, whether the issue is global warming, renewable energy, or health research funding. Most importantly science policy has accounted for half of America’s economic growth since WWII, but that advantage is slipping. Ira Flatow will offer his commentary on what he has learned from reporting on science policy. Science is a part of all of our lives. Solutions Twin Cities is a group of artists dedicated to expanding our awareness of existing solutions in our society. They will offer an exciting presentation by local artists on the 14 science policy questions that the presidential campaigns have answered. You will walk away from this event with a new perspective on the challenges of our day. Registration is required $40 regular admittance, $15 Science Museum Members Hosted by the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy and Science Debate 2008, in partnership with the Bell Museum of Natural History, the Science Museum of Minnesota and Fresh Energy This activity is a part of larger conference, for more information on the full event visit the Innovation 2008 website.

We invite you to join us for an interesting and informative introduction to system dynamics for public policy. David Ford, Ph.D., P.E., an Associate Professor from Texas A&M University, will be directing a workshop to introduce policymakers and analysts to simulation and modeling using system dynamics. The workshop will focus on developing not only a conceptual understanding of modeling policy and social systems, but also the technical knowledge required to use system dynamics in solving problems and predicting policy outcomes. Registration is free, please RSVP to cstpp@umn.edu

Free and open to the public