'Tech Nation' to interview Science Laureates

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Public radio show "Tech Nation," featuring several leading national science writers, will be taped live 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 8) in the West Club Room of Mackey Arena.

The writers are on campus as part of the Science Journalism Laureates program. They also will be meeting with faculty as well as students in various classes across campus. This is the sixth year for the program. Moira Gunn, a Purdue alumnus and host of "Tech Nation" and "BioTech Nation," will interview the six laureates on the topic of "Future challenges for science journalism."

There is very limited public seating, which can be requested through the Brian Lamb School of Communication at 765-49-43303 or dwireman@purdue.edu

The co-organizers are professors Howard Sypher, head of the Brian Lamb School of Communication, and Jeff Roberts, dean of the College of Science."

"The art of explaining our work to the public is a critical step in research," Sypher said.  "Science writers such as these laureates are key to that communication."

The laureates are selected based on their reputation for thought-provoking work and aptitude for translating scientific discoveries into a format the public can easily understand.

The event's sponsors include all of Purdue's colleges or schools as well as the Discovery Research Learning Center, Discovery Park, Office of Engagement, Extended Campus, Global Policy Research Institute, Purdue Libraries, Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Provost.

Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, 765-494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu

Sources: Jeff Roberts, 765-494-1730, jtrob@purdue.edu

Howard Sypher, 765-494-3300, hsypher@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Reporters are welcome to cover the taping.