The University of Missouri – St Louis’ Center for the Humanities invites participants to its 17th annual What is a City? conference on Oct. 27-28, 2011. This year’s theme is “Science in the City,” following on last year’s Food in the City conference. Recognizing how many scientists live in cities and work on health, energy, security and sustainability problems, the conference examines such questions as: How can science help sustain our cities? Why should those who care about health, the environment, and justice care about science? And, why do voters need a basic understanding of how science works and the history of science?
The conference features presenters from some of St. Louis’ exceptional assets in scientific research and education, including MO Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, Saint Louis University, Washington University and UMSL. Besides local experts, sessions include a Michigan State University philosopher of science, an Arizona economist, and the Director of the National Humanities Center. Speakers and audience members will explore the relations of scientific research and science education to urban problem solving, science-based public policy, and a scientifically literate citizenry.
Karen Lucas, associate director of the UMSL Center for the Humanities stresses that “the topic is acutely important now as we see the rising politicization of science in America even as we face crucial environmental, energy and health decisions.” The organizers aim to attract a diverse audience whose members share a passion for urban life and want to move St. Louis forward as a smart, fair and vibrant city.
The conference is Thursday, October 27, from 8:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m., and Friday, October 28, from 8:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Registration is free and the event is open to the public, although registrants are asked to bring canned food for donations that will be delivered to a St. Louis food pantry.
For more information, including the schedule of presenters, and to register, please visit http://umslce.org/index.php/what-is-a-city or call (314) 516-5974.
About the University of Missouri–St. Louis Division of Continuing Education
The University of Missouri–St. Louis Division of Continuing Education provides courses, programs, conferences and events that fulfill degree completion, professional development and personal enrichment goals for the lifelong learner. For more information, please visit http://ce.umsl.edu.