Science News Now symposium

Welcome to the Science News Now symposium!

For the past century, Science News has been a leader in accurate, evidence-based coverage of advances in science, medicine and technology, covering epochal events from the Scopes trial through the creation of the atom bomb, the space race, the discovery of black holes and now the pandemic. Our free Science News Now symposium took place on Friday, December 3, with renowned researchers giving their insiders’ take on the latest discoveries – and on how science can help tackle the challenges of the next 100 years. 

We are thrilled to tell you about our unique history and about this celebratory symposium. In these sessions, we explore both big moments in science history and what’s new and next.

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Agenda: Friday, December 3

10:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET

Welcome remarks

Science of the Pandemic: What We’ve Learned, Challenges that Remain

Watch session recording

Extraordinary efforts by scientists worldwide have given us new weapons to fight the pandemic, but many big questions remain. In this session, reporters on Science News’ COVID coverage team talk with global leaders in the efforts to combat SARS-CoV-2. Panelists will explain what we’ve learned about how the virus spreads, and speak on the potential for new, more effective treatments.

Panelists:

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

Stress and Resilience: How Our Bodies, Brains and Communities Respond to Crisis

Watching session recording

Trauma and stress can have devastating impacts on our physical and mental health, and change our brains for the worse. But understanding the science of resiliency can help. New insights into how stress influences our brains, our behavior and our societies point to ways to recover from the pandemic and other challenges.  

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET

SPECIAL LIVE SESSION: Behind the Scenes as Science News Covers the Pandemic

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What’s it like to report on a historic pandemic while living through it? Six Science News journalists share their experiences covering this story of a lifetime. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions in this live session.

Panelists:

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. ET

Grappling with Climate Change Communication and Misinformation

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Increasing extreme weather events make public conversations about climate change even more vital. But rampant science misinformation and polarizing politics make those conversations difficult. How is it possible to improve communication about climate change? How have peoples’ perspectives on climate change evolved as new evidence emerges? And how may perspectives evolve further as the world changes around us?

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. ET*

What Black Holes Reveal About the Universe

Watch session recording

Black holes are one of the great mysteries of the universe — extreme beasts that lurk at the center of most galaxies and help shape the cosmos. A Nobel Prize winner and co-discoverer of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way explains what astrophysicists want to find out next — and just how amazing black holes are. 

* This session includes closing remarks by:
Nancy Shute, Editor in Chief, Science News

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Science News Now is part of our Centennial Celebration, which has been made possible with generous donations from the following sponsors:

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SCIENCE NEWS IS PUBLISHED BY SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE