The Future of Science in America: The Election Issue

Shoutout in The Washington Post, “Tomorrow’s challenges in science and politics: Magazine offers in-depth takes on these U.S. issues”:

Is it time for a new way to help make adults more ­science-literate? What should the next president know about science? Could science help strengthen American democracy? “The Future of Science in America: The Election Issue” has answers. The free, online magazine is packed with interesting takes on how science can serve the common good. And just in time. This year has challenged leaders, researchers and the public with thorny scientific questions, from the coronavirus pandemic to widespread misinformation on scientific issues. The magazine is a collaboration of the Aspen Institute, a think tank that brings together a variety of public figures and private individuals to tackle thorny social issues, the digital science magazine Leapsmag and GOOD, a social impact company. It’s packed with 15 in-depth articles about science with a view toward our campaign year.

     Published in October 2020, The Future of Science in America: The Election Issue offers wide-ranging perspectives on challenges and opportunities for science as we elect our next national and local leaders. We hope readers of various ages, races, and ideologies will discover how science can be a universal framework for understanding and solving shared problems, and how diverse stakeholders can ensure America stays a global frontrunner.
     The magazine explores convergences of science, politics, policy, and the election through 15 lenses: SCIENTISTS, PUBLIC OPINION, GOVERNMENT, TELEVISION, IMMIGRANTS, RACIAL EQUITY, EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY, VOTERS, EXPERTS, SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTH, SUPREME COURT, NAVAJO NATION, and CIVIC SCIENCE.
     The magazine is a collaboration among the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program, the science outlet leapsmag, and the impact and engagement company GOOD, with support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Rita Allen Foundation.
     To publicly continue the dialogue started in this magazine, we are hosting the “Future of Science in America Summit” on Thursday, November 12.
  1. SCIENTISTS:
      Award-Winning Scientists Offer Advice to the Next President of the United States
  2. PUBLIC OPINION:
      National Survey Reveals Americans’ Most Important Scientific Priorities
  3. GOVERNMENT:
      The Nation’s Science and Health Agencies Face a Credibility Crisis: Can Their Reputations Be Restored?
  4. TELEVISION:
      To Make Science Appealing, We Need a Sesame Street for Adults
  5. IMMIGRANTS:
      Immigrant Scientists—and America’s Edge—Face a Moment of Truth This Election
  6. RACIAL JUSTICE:
      Democratize the White Coat by Honoring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Science
  7. EDUCATION:
      I’m a Black, Genderqueer Medical Student: Here’s My Hard-Won Wisdom for Students and Educational Institutions
  8. TECHNOLOGY:
      “Deep Fake” Video Technology is Advancing Faster Than Our Policies Can Keep Up
  9. VOTERS:
      Mind the (Vote) Gap: Can We Get More STEM Students to the Polls?
  10. EXPERTS:
      Who Qualifies as an “Expert” and How Can We Decide Who Is Trustworthy?
  11. SOCIAL MEDIA:
      Why Your Brain Falls for Misinformation—And How to Avoid It
  12. VOTERS:
      Youth Climate Activists Expand Their Focus and Collaborate to Get Out the Vote
  13. SUPREME COURT:
      Abortions Before Fetal Viability are Legal: Might Science and a Change on the Supreme Court Undermine That?
  14. NAVAJO NATION:
      An Environmental Scientist and an Educator Highlight Navajo Efforts to Balance Tradition with Scientific Priorities
  15. CIVIC SCIENCE:
      Want to Strengthen American Democracy? The Science of Collaboration Can Help

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