Building the foundation for discussions on how forefront science offers new insights into what it means to be human, science historian Melinda Baldwin (Harvard University) will outline how science works — peer review, funding, ethical oversight, methodology — while science writer Rachel Gross (Slate) will review the unique qualities necessary for strong science reporting. Together, they provide insights into the world of science that will broaden attendees’ perspectives for the panels that follow.
Artificial intelligence and robotics are at the forefront of computer science research and can be leveraged for a host of real-world applications. These advances raise significant questions about human nature and the ethics of creating artificial beings endowed with human-like features and intelligence. Drawing on his own innovative research into evolving intelligence and the scientific virtues, Professor of Philosophy and Computer Science & Engineering Robert T. Pennock (Michigan State University) will explore the possibilities of this very present future.
Ever since the human genome was mapped at the turn of this century, ethical concerns have followed. Gene-editing techniques using enzymes to essentially cut and paste select genetic sequences (including the unprecedented efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique) raise new concerns about the unknown consequences of altering a person’s genome, even to treat potentially devastating genetic disorders like Huntington’s Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia and Neurofibromatosis. In this panel, Douglas Lauffenburger, professor, MIT and Ted Peters, professor, Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences will introduce the science and grapple with its most pressing implications.
Astrophysicist Jennifer Wiseman will explore new findings in the search for planets and life beyond Earth with Harvard evolutionary biologist and Episcopal priest Lucas Mix. No longer constrained to science fiction, the search for new extrasolar planets is accelerating at an incredible rate as new worlds are discovered, some of them potentially habitable. This discussion will consider implications of these new findings for our understanding of the significance of life in the universe.
Our exhibitors can connect you with powerful sources and tools to help you cover faith and values.
On the Eve of Pope Francis' Visit to the United States, we take a look at the views of Americans and American Catholics.
Presented by Marist Poll:
Sony pictures presents movie clips from "Risen," which picks up where "The Passion of the Christ" left off with high-ranking Roman military officer Clavius on the detective assignment of all time: to disprove news of Jesus' resurrection.
Our exhibitors can connect you with powerful sources and tools to help you cover faith and values.
Officials involved in planning and communications related to Pope Francis’ visit will discuss details of his highly anticipated trip to the United States. This practical, nuts-and-bolts panel will cover important aspects such as estimated crowd sizes, media accreditation and access, logistics, security, transportation and the daily papal schedule. The panel will also help to explain the significance of the World Meeting of Families and the planned events.
Faith Counts, a multi-faith social media campaign aimed at promoting the value of faith, will announce the Grand Prize Winner of its "Film Your Faith" video contest. Brief remarks and a $20,000 check presentation will follow a showcase of the top two-minute film submissions.
Our exhibitors can connect you with powerful sources and tools to help you cover faith and values.
Experts from the Pew Research Center will present embargoed survey findings from their research on religion and public life.
This reporter work day provides advance opportunity for journalists to gather color for preview and event stories, take site pictures and B-roll, and nail down logistics for covering the Philadelphia leg of the papal visit. Choose between “The Big Picture” papal visit tour or the “Local Flavor” Philadelphia Catholic life tour.
TOUR #1: The Big Picture
TOUR #2: Local Flavor
Notes:
Both tours will come together for a boxed lunch at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Communications. Papal tour spokesperson Meg Kane will join forces with Archdiocese Director of Communications Ken Gavin to give insider tips about covering the papal trip and to answer logistics questions that arise after the morning’s tours.
Join us Sept. 22–25, 2016 in Silver Spring, Md., for the 67th Annual RNA Conference!
