Science and technology have become integral parts of the American political agenda. The president and Congress alike deal daily with issues like global climate change, surging demands for affordable energy, biomedical research — including the use of embryonic stem cells — and a continuing need to sustain national competitiveness in science, engineering, and medicine. C²ST hosted Dr. Alan Leshner, Chief Executive Officer of AAAS to set the stage for the 2009 AAAS Annual meeting in Chicago. Dr. Leshner addressed the role science and technology plays in driving America’s economy and international competitiveness as vital in the age of globalization, and how it is never more relevant than in the presidential election year.

Over the past half century, high-speed rail (HSR) has emerged as an important component of the intercity passenger transport system, providing both an alternative and a compliment to highway and air transport.

There are many serious threats facing our oceans today. Join C2ST and leading area marine scientists as they discuss two ocean issues and what we as consumers can do to have a positive impact in addressing them.

Join us for a discussion with Astronaut John Grunsfeld who will describe the adventures of working in orbit on the Hubble Space Telescope and the exciting scientific results new instruments are providing.

Join us for a lecture by former Newsweek senior journalist Seth Mnookin, author of the critically acclaimed book The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear.

Just as a “clockwork universe” followed the invention of the clock 500 years ago, scientists are now moving beyond the Big Bang to talk about universes built from information pushing time into mind-boggling new territory. In his new book, About Time, Dr. Frank argues that new ideas in cosmology are pushing the revolution in time to its final stage.