Conferences hosted by the Center are forums at which researchers and journalists discuss the important scientific and public health issues of our time. These meetings bring together leading editors and reporters with scientists, historians of science, physicians, policy makers and others with insight into the practice and politics of science. Formal talks, meant to give participants a deeper understanding of the science surrounding a particular issue, are followed by debate about how journalists can best cover these controversial topics for the public.

Past Conferences

Environmental Writer's Conference: Fall 2003
The Water Wars
November 14 and 15, 2003
As of 2003, 20 percent of the world's population faced severe water shortages. Held in connection with the New England Aquarium, the Water Wars conference focused on the use and abuse of the world's fresh water and on the struggle for water rights.

Obesity in the 21st Century
October 3, 2003
The Obesity in the 21st Century conference, held in connection with Boston University's School of Public Health, focused on the controversial issue of the quickly rising incidence of obesity worldwide. Scientists and policy-makers discussed the complex science behind obesity, the modern lifestyles that contribute to it and methods for fighting against what many believe is a global epidemic of overweight.

Reporting on Nature's Deadline
January 13, 2003
The Center, in collaboration with the Tufts University Climate Initiative and the New England Science Center Collaborative, gathered journalists with some of the most notable scientists and policy-makers in the climate debate for the Reporting on Nature's Deadline conference, in order to discuss the political, diplomatic, business and policy conflicts that could accompany global climate change.

Environmental Writers Conference: Fall 2002
Tomorrow's Oceans
November 23-24, 2002
The world's oceans produce more oxygen than the rain forests and provide more than 100 million tons of food per year. But few Americans understand the importance of the oceans to our health and well being, and fewer still recognize that the oceans are under siege. Marine scientists and environmental writers gathered at the Tomorrow's Oceans conference, co-hosted with the New England Aquarium, to discuss the state of the oceans and media coverage of ocean-related issues.

Behind the Veil: Reporting on the Drug and Pharmaceutical Industry
May 31, 2002
The Behind the Veil conference gathered top journalists from around New England with biotech and drug-development insiders for an in-depth look at the science, economics and politics of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.