October 1, 2008

Purdue president to attend global science and technology forum

More than 400 leaders in science, business, research, media and policy from 76 countries and regions will attend the fifth annual meeting of the Science and Technology in Society forum at the Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan.

Summit sessions will be structured around addressing the two main themes of this year's event: "Harmony with Nature" and "How is Information and Communication Technology Affecting Humankind?"

"Continued progress in science and technology brings with it challenges as well as triumphs," Córdova said. "These world leaders come together annually to discuss the ethical, safety and environmental concerns related to our work. I am honored to have been invited to take part in these important discussions."

Major forum discussion topics will include:

* Climate change and energy

* Water and food

* Infectious diseases

* Science and technology for developing countries

* New developments in science and technology

* Science and society

* Science and education

On the last day, Córdova will present a summary on three topics: Research collaboration between developed and developing countries; the brain drain, brain gain and brain circulation; and international collaboration in science and technology. She also will participate in other parts of the forum as a facilitator and panel member.

Other confirmed speakers include Arden Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation; Jay Cohen, undersecretary for science and technology in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Charles Holliday Jr., chairman and CEO of Dupont; Raymond Orbach, undersecretary for science in the U.S. Department of Energy; Yongxiang Lu, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Elias Zerhouni, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. 

Writer: Tanya Brown, (765) 494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu

Source: France A. Córdova, (765) 494-9708

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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