Museum of Science, Boston to Host “Science & Democracy: What They Are and Why They Need Each Other” Event and Livestream

Panel of policy and science to convene on January 9 at 7:00 EST

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Science and democracy need each other to thrive – and both require public trust. In a time of polarization and misinformation, how can we come together to create a new era of scientific and democratic participation?

On January 9, 2025, the Museum of Science, in collaboration with the Boston Globe, is set to host “Science & Democracy,” an evening of community and dialogue. This vital conversation will explore the reciprocal relationship between science and democracy through insights from a distinguished panel of policy and science experts. The event will be open to the public at the Museum and will stream online.

"Trust in science and faith in democracy are under immense pressure worldwide," said Tim Ritchie, President of the Museum of Science. "Both are essential for building a sustainable and humane future. The Museum aims to be a common ground where people can explore these big ideas and be inspired to engage with both science and democracy."

“Science & Democracy” will open with an introduction by Brian Bergstein, deputy managing editor for the Globe Ideas section. The event will be moderated by Ritchie, and feature insights from:

• Danielle Allen, a leading political philosopher, public policy expert, and advocate for democracy renovation. As Harvard’s James Bryant Conant University Professor, she heads the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and Partners in Democracy, working to enhance voice and access in democracy. Among her influential works are Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality and Democracy in the Time of Coronavirus.

• David Kaiser, Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science and professor of physics at MIT. An award-winning author and expert in both theoretical physics and the history of science, David recently served as MIT’s Associate Dean for Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing. His work delves into quantum physics and societal ethics, and he has contributed to projects with Nature, the New York Times, and PBS’s NOVA.

Registration for the event is available at https://www.mos.org/events/science-and-democracy.

About the Museum of Science, Boston

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year—at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic attractions as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. The Museum influences formal and informal STEM education through research and national advocacy, as a strong community partner and loyal educator resource, and as a leader in universal design, developing exhibits and programming accessible to all. Learn more at mos.org.