New Frontiers of Science in Society, New Paradigms and New Generation of Scientists

In this presentation Mehrdad Hariri will discuss the status of the science enterprise in Canada, especially in comparison with other nations. He will then address the new frontiers of science in society in the 21st century, with the opportunities and challenges the scientific community is facing in these new frontiers. The ever-changing nature of science, along with transformative technological advances and significant changes in societies around the world have all affected the nature of the interaction between science and society. Science today impacts every aspect of our society including the economy, public policy and politics, international affairs, social innovation, communications and more. How science relates with politics and politicians? How science relates to public policy and what are the scientist’s roles in designing policies? Does science have any role in international affairs and diplomacy? How is science being communicated to various sectors of society, including the public at large? The scientific community needs to be better prepared for these new frontiers that are transforming how science interacts with society and the younger generation of scientists have a crucial role in this adaptation. Are Canadian institutions ready for this transformation and have we built training capacities for the next generation to take on this role? What career opportunities exist for our students to contribute to this effort? These are some of the questions that Mehrdad Hariri will explore in his presentation.