Due to the politicization of science and the proliferation of misinformation about science and its significance, the ability to clearly articulate the importance of science to the public has never been more crucial. The major objectives of this symposium are to (1) highlight effective communication strategies grounded in narrative theory, scientific practice, cognition research, and multiple artis
tic disciplines; (2) enable scientists to clearly articulate their research outcomes and career motivations through these strategies; and (3) demonstrate that these strategies foster inclusion in science by making material accessible and engaging for any demographic audience. In conjunction with this symposium, the SICB Public Affairs Committee will host a workshop, "Story art strategies for science communication," led by symposium organizer Sara ElShafie and a guest speaker from Pixar Animation Studios (TBD), on Thursday, January 4, 2018, 12:00-1:30pm. We are accepting abstracts for complimentary oral and poster sessions to this symposium. Abstract submission is open on the SICB website through September 6, 2017. Organizers
Sara ElShafie, University of California, Berkeley, and UC Museum of Paleontology, USA
Stuart Sumida, California State University, San Bernardino, USA
Bram Lutton, Endicott College, USA
Speaker List & Tentative Schedule:
Sara ElShafie
Doctoral Candidate in Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley
“Understanding the process of science as a narrative”
Kirk Johnson
Sant Director, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
“Fossils, lost worlds, and the Hero’s Journey”
Anna Kipnis
Senior Gameplay Programmer, Double Fine Games
“Expect the unexpected: Coding interactive player/character dialog in video games as a model for developing multi-outcome scientific narratives”
Glen Macintosh
Animation Director and Lead Character Designer, Industrial Light & Magic
“The interplay of science, narrative, and entertainment value: Insights from animation and character design in big-budget films”
Elizabeth Rega
Professor of Anatomy, Western University of Health Sciences
“Images are the story: Effective communication based on how primates interact”
Eric Rodenbeck
CEO, Founder, Creative Director, Stamen Design
“Integrating narrative and aesthetic into data visualization”
Greg Graffin
Lead Singer/Songwriter of the punk-rock band Bad Religion, also Lecturer in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, and in Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (schedule allowing)
“Music as a means to facilitate p***c understanding of science”
Stuart Sumida
Professor of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino;
Angela Lepito
Director of Artistic Development, Brian Jefcoat, Supervisor of Modeling, DreamWorks Feature Animation SKG
“Creating a better story: Insights from cooperation and communication between academia and the entertainment industry”
Emilie Lorditch
News Director, American Institute of Physics
“Tools for science communication from the intersection of journalism and screenwriting”
Sabah Ul-Hasan
Doctoral Candidate in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California, Merced
“BIOTA: A mixed-media approach for creating science communication infrastructure in our communities”
Rick Loverd
Program Director, The Science and Entertainment Exchange, National Academy of Sciences
“Diversity in film characters leads to inclusion in science and society”
Logo concept by Sara ElShafie. Design by Bailee DesRocher. (c) 2017 by Bailee DesRocher. All rights reserved.
