In efforts to boost young adults’ interest in science, UNMC is teaming with the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Bio Nebraska to host two “Science Cafes” in February.
The cafes are informal science discussions at local coffeehouses and bars.
“This format leads to face-to-face discussions in a more informal, fun environment,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs at UNMC. “We’re hopeful that the Science Cafes will appeal to young adults and help re-introduce them to science.”
The two “Science Cafes” will be held Feb. 3 and Feb. 10 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., in Omaha.
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William Thorrell, M.D., top, and Sanjay Singh, M.D., will be the presenters during UNMC’s first two Science Cafes, which will be held Feb. 3 and 10 at the Slowdown in downtown Omaha. The human brain and how it works will be the focus of the events, which are informal discussions meant to spark interest in science among young adults. |
“Other academic health science centers have used this type of event to engage younger audiences in science, and we’re confident that our Science Cafes will do the same,” said Kacie Gerard, special events associate at UNMC. “The Slowdown should be a great venue for these discussions.”
Free pizza will be provided by Nebraskan Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people to arrive at each cafe.
The Science Cafes are part of an effort by UNMC and other groups to increase the population’s science literacy. A more scientifically literate populace is a goal in UNMC’s strategic plan, and a 17-member team comprising UNMC faculty and staff, as well as Omaha area community leaders, is addressing the issue.
“A public armed with facts and understanding of science is better able to appreciate and apply scientific advances and to vote knowledgeably on ballot issues and initiatives related to science,” said UNMC’s James Turpen, Ph.D., the leader of the science literacy team. “As the state’s academic health sciences center, it’s natural for us to be among the leading proponents for science literacy in Nebraska.”
The team has met since the summer and identified three areas of focus:
- Providing assistance and resources to the state’s elementary and secondary school science teachers;
- Establishing public education programs to increase interest in science among young adults; and
- Creating a mobile science laboratory that serves as an educational resource for students around the state.
For more information on the Science Cafes, visit www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.