About

Jefferson Science Symposium

April 28-30, 2019
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center

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The Jefferson Science Symposium will bring together previous Jefferson Science Fellows (JSF) from Big Ten universities, and Washington D.C. policy experts to discuss experiences and lessons learned for applying STEM expertise and research capabilities to address domain, functional, and regional challenges in international science and technology policy. This conference is the first ever event that invites Jefferson Science Fellows to come together, share their experiences, inspire and encourage research in areas that bring science, technology and policy together for the benefit of the whole society. This conference will facilitate connections of knowledge experts to policy makers, highlight priorities, and initiate collaborations between academic institutes and government.

The Jefferson Science Fellowship program started in 2003 as the result of a report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine with recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of State.  Since 2004, 145 senior STEM faculty (including 11 Purdue affiliated, current and past—the most of any university) have served in residence at the Department of State or U.S. Agency for International Development, applying their knowledge to the societal challenges facing the international science and technology policy communities. Purdue, as a Big Ten and land grant university, represents an exemplar of this form of national and international policy impact, born of the public land grant model of STEM research and engagement to serve society. Critical policy questions regarding environmental instability, global health, digital infrastructures and security, and others have been addressed by JSFs in their work with the Science and Technology Advisers to the Secretary of State, as well as critical policy organizations in Washington, DC. This Symposium highlights some of these experiences, and addresses models of collaboration to bring a stronger voice of STEM expertise into global policy discussions and implementations.

For additional information or any questions, contact: JSconference@purdue.edu