Canada Goes for Gold as Countdown to AAAS in Vancouver Begins!

Today’s press conference at the Vancouver Aquarium marks the official start to AAAS fever in Canada. One of the world’s most exciting science conferences will take place in Vancouver, February 16 – 20th, 2012.

“Hosting the prestigious annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is like landing the Winter Olympics!” said the co-chairs of  AAAS Vancouver Local Organizing Committee, as they spoke to the media about the event. “It’s the first time in 30 years that the annual AAAS conference will be held outside the US.”

“Something really special happens when you get that much scientific talent together to share their knowledge – the opportunities for gold medal runs are endless.”

“The world’s best scientific brains will be coming to Vancouver next month to present their latest discoveries and breakthroughs on everything from climate change impacts on the Arctic to breakthroughs in digital media.” says Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Chief Executive Officer of AAAS.

The AAAS conference is a must-attend event for scientists, academics and science journalists from all over the world. Over 8,000 of the world’s top researchers from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the conference. It is a unique conference in its size—and its breadth.

And Canada will be front and center – showcasing Canadian solutions to many of the world’s most pressing global problems. Canadian talent, partnership and innovation will all be on display.

Over 170 Canadians will be participating as speakers and lecturers. Hundreds more delegates from Canadian governments, research partners and non-government organizations will also be part of the scene.

A new Canada Pavilion and meeting area is expected to be a must-see stop at the Exhibition Hall. Coffee hours chats with Canadians scientists and a range of other activities will highlight Canada’s contribution to global science.

“The theme of the 2012 AAAS Conference is ‘Flattening the World: Building the Global Knowledge Society. It’s about finding a better path to solutions to global problems that connect all of us through science, engineering, technology and education,” said the Perimeter Institute’s Neil Turok, one of the Canadian co-chairs of the AAAS Conference.

Canadian organizers are hoping to get Canada’s science community from across the country involved.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase the outstanding science that is taking place across Canada,” emphasizes Simon Fraser University’s Andrew Petter, also a co-chair of the conference.

The event is a terrific opportunity for Canadian researchers, policy makers and students to mix with their peers from around the world. It’s also an important chance for the scientific community to engage with the Canadian public and to show how science affects our daily lives.

Organizers are pulling out all the stops to welcome families and the public as part of the February 18-19  Family Science Days weekend.

Over 30 partner organizations from across the country have been working with local organizers to make this year’s AAAS meeting a Vancouver a success for Canada.

What inspires them? “Part of it is simply the opportunity to be a part of AAAS meeting and part of it is the opportunity to celebrate ‘Team (Science) Canada,’” as Mehrdad Hariri, Chair of the Canadian Science Policy Conference puts it.

Canada has some of the world’s top talent – not only in hockey, but also in research. Working together, trading ideas, and connecting with colleagues around the world as well as entrepreneurs and business next door, Canadian scientists will leave the AAAS meeting with new ideas and new inspiration. That’s what all the excitement is about!

For more information about the AAAS 2012 Conference program visit www.aaas.org. For updates on the Canada Pavilion and a list of Canadian presenters visit www.science.gc.ca.

Follow the conference on Twitter @AAASMeetings.

Harriet Gorham

Canadian Science Policy Conference