Communicating Science: A Kavli Workshop for Scientists
For years, actor, writer and director Alan Alda has been committed to deepening the public's understanding and appreciation of science. Now, he comes to UCLA for a workshop and series of open-to-the-public events aimed at helping scientists better communicate the excitement and importance of their research.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
UCLA California NanoSystems Institute
In "Communicating Science: A Kavli Workshop for Scientists," presented by the Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, Alda draws on his acting and writing experience to teach scientists how to speak and write clearly and conversationally without "dumbing down" their work, to focus on the needs of their audience, and to use emotion and storytelling techniques to make their message memorable, engaging and effective.
The full workshop (July 13–15) will involve a select group of scientists from UCLA, USC, Caltech and other research universities in the Southland region. Events that are open to the public include presentations by Alda and science writer K.C. Cole and a film screening.
RSVP: To attend any of the public events listed above, please RSVP to cnsievents@cnsi.ucla.edu
To view the event flyer click here.
WHEN:
Public events take place Wednesday–Thursday, July 13–14
WHERE:
California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA (map)
PUBLIC EVENTS:
The following workshop events are open to the public and the media:
Alan Alda (keynote address)
9 a.m., Wednesday, July 13
CNSI Auditorium
Alda, actor, writer and founding board member of the Center for Communicating Science, will present the keynote address, "Helping the Public Get Beyond a Blind Date With Science."
K.C. Cole
6:30–7:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 13
CNSI Auditorium
Cole, an award-winning science writer and professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, will be joined by science blogger and best-selling author Greg Critser for a talk, "Lost in Translation, The Unreasonable Requirements of Communicating Science," about the challenges and future of science communication.
'Losing Control' (film screening)
6:30–8 p.m., Thursday, July 14
CNSI Auditorium
Filmmaker and workshop participant Valerie Weiss, of PhD Productions, will present "Losing Control," a romantic comedy about a scientist seeking the perfect mate. The film will be followed by a discussion with lead actors Miranda Kent, Ben Weber and Jamison Yang, and science consultants Dr. Michael Sawaya and Sum Chan.
