March Seminar Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 12 Noon - 1:00pm

"The Intelligent Design debate, and the challenges of effective communication between scientists and laypeople" Speaker: Prof. Janet D. Stemwedel, San Jose State University

Prof. Janet D. Stemwedel

The battles over whether intelligent design should be taught in science class force scientists to re-examine their interactions with the public. What does the public understand about scientific methodology, evidence, and theories? What do scientists understand about the public�s concerns around scientific theories and science education? In a pluralistic society, is there a way for people with strong religious commitments and people with strong scientific commitments to find common ground? Dr. Janet D. Stemwedel has Ph.D.s in physical chemistry and philosophy of science. She has watched the evolution battle as an indicator of the level of public understanding of science, as an example of the challenges for scientists of communicating effectively with non-scientists, and as a gauge of the contention about the place of science in the public sphere.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 12 Noon - 1:00 pm ~ Panofsky Auditorium (Building 43) SLAC, 2575 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park, CA

Steps to improve the climate for both women and men in physics : "Best Practices for Recruiting and Retaining Women in Physics"