Portland Takes Center Stage in the Debate on Science in the Media and Society as 250 Professional Science Communicators Gather for Science Talk ‘22

PORTLAND, OR — March 14th, 2022 — The nation’s only conference for professional science communicators convenes with a growing sense of urgency as science literacy and public opinion of science continues to decline. Science Talk ‘22 gathers in person and virtually at the Tiffany Center in Portland, Oregon from March 23rd to 25th, with a focus on the many ways that science communication connects science to society. 

“Science without communication is silent at a time when the course of our world is being decided with an undue suspicion of the science that can save lives, combat climate change, and inform decisions for global good,” said Allison Coffin, Science Talk founding member and executive director and associate professor of neuroscience at Washington State University Vancouver. “We’re joining with other science communicators to ensure we’re never silent, and continue to improve the ways we share scientific findings with the widest audience possible.”

Conference opening remarks will be made by Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick, a regional force for science and technology. Conference keynote speakers include Sheril Kirshenbaum, science writer and science policy researcher, and Imran Amhed, the CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate. There will be panel discussions and short talks on important issues in science communication, and workshops covering professional communication techniques and skills. The conference also features a science communication poster and art session, as well as a private film screening of ‘Science Friction’ - a documentary film examining misrepresentation of scientists by the media.

In addition, Science Talk is partnering with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) for a special science trivia night. This separately ticketed event, Educated Guess, is on March 25th at OMSI in Portland  and open to the public and all conference attendees. 

“Science is everywhere, in art, education, policy, and the media. We think it’s vital that scientists and professional science communicators work together to communicate better. We’ve all experienced what happens when we don’t,” Coffin said. “At Science Talk, we bring all disciplines and professions together and give them a place to connect and grow their potential to positively impact the world.” 

For those unable to join the in-person meeting, this year’s event is hybrid. Virtual events are available to all attendees beginning March 17th through March 25th. 

The in-person registration rate for Science Talk is $300 for professionals and $100 for students and trainees. Virtual rates are $150 and $50 respectively. The agenda, speaker list, logistics, and registration for the event are online at sciencetalk.org/science-talk-22.html. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Dr. Kiki Sanford
kiki@sciencetalk.org
(415) 948-3589
www.sciencetalk.org

ABOUT SCIENCE TALK: Science Talk is an association for professional science communicators, and has organized its annual conference in Portland since 2017 when Coffin and several other science communicators of various disciplines saw a need for community & training. It sold out with 250 attendees and has grown in successive years, now attracting attendees from around the globe. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization has one mission: to empower and inspire the professional science communication community.

Science Talk is sponsored by ARIS, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Washington State University Office of Research, s2sPR, and OBI/OTRADI.