Science and technology are an integral part of modern life, yet
tensions continue to emerge at the intersection of core human
values and certain scientific fields — from human embryonic stem
cell and global climate-change research, to the teaching of
evolution. Increasingly, this tension has interfered with
scientific progress, the quality of science education, and the
broader ability of the scientific enterprise to fully serve the
needs of society. "We need to engage the public in a more open
and honest, bi-directional dialogue about science and technology
and the products they give rise to, addressing not only the
inherent benefits, but also the limits, perils and pitfalls,"
AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner, executive publisher of the journal
Science, wrote in an editorial on public engagement. AAAS
proposes to build on traditional public understanding efforts
toward more comprehensive public-dialogue opportunities. The
activities of the Center for Public Engagement focus on:
Providing scientists and scientific ins