GrrlScientist is an evolutionary biologist, ornithologist, aviculturist, birder and freelance science and nature writer. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she relocated from Seattle to NYC with her parrots after earning a BS in Microbiology (emphasis in Virology) and PhD in Zoology (Ornithology) from the University of Washington. In NYC, she was the Chapman Postdoctoral Fellow at the American Museum of Natural History for two years, pursuing part of her "dream" research project by reconstructing a molecular phylogeny of the parrots of the South Pacific islands. GrrlScientist and her five parrots are currently relocating to Germany, where she will continue writing her blog while also writing a book and learning German. (Meanwhile, her parrots will continue to nibble on her extensive personal library.) If you appreciate GrrlScientist's writing, you can help pay her living expenses by hiring her to "blog" your conference, speak at your club or write articles for your publication (or by clicking on the Paypal button below). If you read an essay on this blog that you especially enjoyed, please nominate it for inclusion in 
tags: ScienceDebate2008, AAAS, American Association for the Advancement of Science, presidential elections
Hey, everyone. I know I have told you several times that things are really gaining momentum with regards to the proposed ScienceDebate2008, an idea that originated here on ScienceBlogs by my SciBlings, Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirschenbaum, but here is yet more proof that the idea is gaining more appeal: the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) today announced that it has joined our effort to mount a presidential debate on science, technology and the economy.
"Science and engineering have driven half the nation's growth in GDP over the last half-century [emphasis mine]," said AAAS CEO Alan Leshner, "and lie at the center of many of the major policy and economic challenges the next president will face. We feel that a presidential debate on science would be helpful to America's national political dialogue."
In addition to the AAAS, the ScienceDebate2008 effort has grown to include more than 10,000 scientists, engineers, and concerned citizens and has been endorsed by a large group of scientists and engineers, including several Nobel laureates, presidents of many major American research universities, the editors of major science journals and magazines, in addition to the chair of the House Science & Technology Committee along with other congressmen and executives from Apple Computer, Google, Merck, Hyatt, and other leading companies.
Source
Press release (quotes).
Politics
Technology
Comments
Border guards foil parrot smuggler
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | January 23, 2008 2:19 PM
Lost parrot week:
Alfie lost in Ebbw Vale
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | January 23, 2008 2:24 PM
Lost parrot week:
Charlie finds his way home to Littleport
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | January 23, 2008 2:25 PM
Ozzy lost in Portsmouth
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | January 23, 2008 2:27 PM
I honestly marvel at the gift we call "the Internets." It is amazing to me how it's now possible for people who share the same ideals, goals, and objectives to come together and make things happen rather than sit and wonder if there are other people out there who feel the same...
Posted by: Kelly Gorski | January 23, 2008 9:12 PM
Technology is the future, however I'm not sure I care if the next prez is an academic (which of course has nothing to do with technology). In fact I'd prefer someone who could actually accomplish something and manage a successful enterprise. With that in mind, academic doesn't come to mind...
Posted by: Scott | January 24, 2008 12:32 AM
Scott, don't worry. The next president won't be an academic, because none is running.
The point of the debate, in my mind, is to evaluate the scientific mindset of the candidates, their appreciation of science and scientists, and their specific policies in this area.
Posted by: Alvaro | January 24, 2008 11:59 AM
exactly my point, alvaro. the purpose for ScienceDebate2008 is and always has been to give Americans an clearer understanding of each candidate's attitudes and proposed plans and policies that will affect science and technology if they get into office.
Posted by: "GrrlScientist" | January 24, 2008 2:57 PM
I'm surprised I can't find a Wikipedia entry on Sciencedebate 2008.
Posted by: Alex | January 26, 2008 3:19 PM