Media Alert: "Talking Science in an Age of Sound Bites"

In the face of ever more complex and pressing global environmental issues, broad scientific literacy has never been more vital. Yet in this polarized, populist world of IT overload — this Age of Sound Bites — communicating science to the public and policymakers alike has never been more challenging. A panel discussion will examine who’s to blame and what’s to be done.

Panel includes:

• Beth Daley — Environmental reporter for the Boston Globe
• John Hagan, PhD — President of the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
• Evan Hadingham — Senior Science Editor for the iconic PBS series NOVA
• Judith Layzer, PhD — Associate Professor of Environmental Policy in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning
• Randy Olson, PhD — Marine biologist-turned-filmmaker — "Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus" and "Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy" — and author of Don’t be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style
• John Sterman, PhD — Jay W. Forrester Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Director of MIT's System Dynamics Group

When: Thursday, April 22, 6:30-8 p.m.; reception to follow
Where: MIT campus, Kirsch Auditorium, 32 Vassar St., Building 32, Cambridge, MA 02139

Space is limited, so please RSVP to: Jessica Holmes, MIT News Office, 617-253-2702