Hopeful Science

Last October, the Center for American Progress launched a new online publication called Science Progress. Their progressive vision for scientific research has now made it to print.

On June 13, the Center held a miniature science fair and panel discussion to launch the Spring-Summer edition of Progress, the first print release of the increasingly popular publication.

“This first journal edition of Science Progress is yet another step we are taking to ensure that the American people realize that ‘science is the stuff of progress,’” said Center President John D. Podesta.

The online edition garnered 30,000 visits in its first month online, and has since doubled in traffic. Podesta hopes the print edition will continue to increase in success.

The inaugural edition is self-described as confident and optimistic in its outlook of America’s future through the eyes of the contributing writers. Progress’s cover topics such as economic mobility, energy and the environment, national security, and public health.

“Science and technology have the potential to offer new ideas and innovative solutions to all of these though challenges,” said Podesta.

The new edition provided CAP with an opportunity to draw more attention to the magazine and other work, including those of some of its own fellows during the science fair and panel.

The science fair’s focus was on progressive experimentation that will help lead to future discoveries in fields varying from human health to climate change.

CAP researchers Kit Batten and Tom Kalil presented research from a more political standpoint: Batten gave a presentation on the applications of legislation such as the Endangered Species Act and Kalil presented his findings in an article outlining a recommended progressive policy on science for the next president of the United States.

“The United States clearly has a lot of work to do to restore its reputation and image in the world,” said Kalil. “I can think of no better way to do that than to harness America’s capacity for breakthroughs in innovation and apply those to some of the challenges facing developing countries.”

Andrew R. Bayden of the University of Maryland and Kathy Hudson of the Genetics and Public Policy Center also presented their research.

Keynote speaker Neal Lane, former director of White House Science and Technology policy under the Clinton administration, summarized the day’s mood and the current state of economic and environmental problems facing the nation.

“Our success will depend on America making many of the new discoveries,” said Neil, “but it will also depend on how we use that knowledge and technology to deal with a host of serious problems that threaten Americans and in some cases billions of people across the globe.”

Ben Giles is an intern at the American Journalism Center, a training program run by Accuracy in Media and Accuracy in Academia.