Keynote Speaker  

Sheril Kirshenbaum

Sheril Kirshenbaum is a scientist and author working to enhance public understanding of science and improve communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public. She hosts Serving Up Science at PBS and the discussion series "Our Table" at Michigan State University. Her books include Unscientific America with Chris Mooney and The Science of Kissing. Sheril has been a Presidential Leadership Scholar, a Marshall Memorial Fellow, a legislative NOAA fellow in the U.S. Senate with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and a Next Generation Fellow. She has hosted blogs with Scientific American, Wired and Discover Magazines and podcasts on NPR. Her current research focuses on how we make decisions about science and policy.

Building Public Trust in Science.

The vast majority of people do not see the ways in which science holds relevance in their lives, and too many scientists are unable to explain why their work matters. Meanwhile, increasingly polarized politics and a changing media environment have magnified the growing rift between science and mainstream culture. Drawing on academic literature and decades of experience in science communication and policy, this talk will address best practices to reach the public about science, with focus on the agricultural practices and technologies that sustain us. Kirshenbaum will provide recommendations for how to connect with different audiences, inform the decision-making process, and rise to meet the greatest global challenges of the 21st century.