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Webinar | Promoting a broader understanding of the role of science in society | 5 December 2024


Join us on Thursday, 5 December 2024, 7:00-8:00 pm Cairo Time, for an engaging online webinar exploring the critical role of science in society, brought to you by NAMES in collaboration with RedPOP. This webinar is part of our ongoing celebration of the International Day of Scientific Culture (IDSC) 2024.

The insightful discussion will feature leading science communication experts:

Speakers

  • Rana Dajani: Professor of Molecular Biology, the Hashemite University, Jordan
  • Yurij Castelfranchi: Associate professor of Sociology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil

Moderator

  • Abdulaziz Alhegelan: Executive Director, Mishkat Interactive Center, KSA

Why this webinar matters

Science is the engine of progress, driving advancements in healthcare, technology, environmental sustainability, and policy-making. However, a disconnect often exists between scientific progress and public understanding. This webinar aims to bridge this gap by fostering broader societal understanding of the scientific process and its profound impact on everyday life.

What we will explore

  • Addressing Public Perceptions of Science: We'll delve into common misconceptions about science and explore effective strategies to build trust and engagement with the public.
  • Effective Science Communication Techniques: Discover best practices for tailoring scientific content to diverse audiences, harnessing the power of storytelling, and leveraging various media platforms for impactful communication.
  • Engaging the Public in Science Centers and Museums: Explore innovative methods for creating interactive exhibits, programs, and activities that spark curiosity and empower visitors to actively explore the wonders of science.
  • Collaboration for Broader Reach: Learn how science communicators and museum professionals can collaborate with educators, policymakers, and media outlets to amplify the message of science and its importance in society.

Webinar Details

  • Date: Thursday, 5 December 2024
  • Time: 7:00 PM Cairo Time (check your local time zone)
  • Platform: Airmeet
  • Duration: 60 minutes

Do not miss out on this opportunity to learn from experts; spots are limited!

Register NOW by filling out the form below:

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  • If you still cannot find the email from Airmeet to confirm your registration, please send us an email to namesnetwork@bibalex.org to check your registration.

 

Meet The Speakers

Prof. Rana Dajani

Professor Dajani's area of expertise is epigenetics and biomarkers of trauma among refugees. Through her leadership, she has introduced national and regional stem cell laws and presided over numerous scientific boards and United Nations councils, most recently as the President of the Society for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World. A tireless supporter of building indigenous research capabilities in the developing world and creating a mentoring program to support women scholars in STEM that was recognized by the National Academy of Sciences. Her 2018 book Five Scarves: Doing the Impossible — If We Can Reverse Cell Fate, Why Can’t We Redefine Success? challenged global policy makers to address ongoing inequities in education and employment, while also putting forward a new paradigm for measuring success in an evolving world.  Rana has also been recognized as a Fulbright fellow, Eisenhower fellow, and Ashoka fellow, and by joining the list of the 100 most influential Arab Women and receiving the Jacobs social entrepreneur award.

Prof. Yurij Castelfranchi

Prof. Yurij Castelfranchi holds a degree in Physics, a Master's degree in Scientific Communication, and a PhD in Sociology of Science and Technology. He is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG, Brazil), where he coordinates the InCiTe Observatory (Innovation, Citizenship, Technoscience) and the Specialization Course in Public Communication of Science - Amerek. He is a researcher at the National Institute for Public Communication of Science and Technology (INCT-CPCT).

Abdulaziz Alhegelan

Abdulaziz received his Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2011. He attended Executive Education Programs in 2016 in two of the most prestigious universities in the USA: Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers at Wharton, and Business Dynamics at MIT.

Abdulaziz joined the Mishkat Interactive Centre for Atomic and Renewable Energy in 2013 as Maintenance Engineer; he was responsible for planning PMV and spare parts programs, in addition to leading the AV systems and maintenance teams. Within less than three years, he occupied several management roles that made him an expert in the field of science museums operation. During his work in Mishkat, he has managed several projects and conferences, including the development of a travelling exhibition for K.A.CARE (Mishkat’s solo funder), and managing its participation in COP20Lima, COP21-Paris, and COP22-Marrakesh, where he acted as the Head of Delegation during the operational period of these three UN events.

In February 2016, Abdulaziz was promoted to Deputy Executive Director, overlooking all operations, logistics, and budget control functions. After less than four years since joining the Center, and while he is still in his twenties, has been appointed Executive Director of Mishkat, managing all of its functions and making sure all objectives are achieved.

In addition to his role in Mishkat, Abdulaziz works as a business development specialist and serves as a consultant for some educational and science-oriented organizations.