Abstract

Paper
Engaging with science and technology
Track: Education
Authors: Ilse Genovese

Engaging with science and technology

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow."
- Edward Teller [http://Science.prodos.ORG]

Scientific literacy has wide implications for public policy and, ultimately, the decisions businesses make to be profitable. Americans have a healthy respect for science and evince considerable interest in new technological advances, yet, discomfort with science is not a thing of the past. How do we enrich the public's engagement with science and help dispel reservations? The educational system, scientists and technology adopters, and the media all have an important role to play. Media coverage of science and technology is central to widespread understanding of emerging technology and how this affects us at work and in our private lives. But, for journalists to advocate successfully on behalf of emerging geospatial technology, geospatial scientists and practitioners themselves must become engaged in informing the public of progress made. However, no matter how well one knows one's subject, it is not necessarily an easy task to write about it. In this seminar, I highlight research habits and writing skills that can help geospatial professionals turn data and facts into information which will spark the public's interest and facilitate vigorous adoption of new ideas and emerging technologies by businesses.