Two stories caught my eye this week, leading me to hope that scientists are being propelled closer to the centres of power…
Easter at the White House
For the first time in 30 years the White House invited the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) to host a scientific activity as part of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
Following the invitation from Mr and Mrs Obama, the AAAS designed a display featuring replica eggs, encouraging visitors to learn about them and their animal parents. The idea was to highlight animal diversity, and it sounds like a huge success, with thousands of people visiting the activity.
And the AAAS site is delighted to stress that this science display was directly adjacent to the White House itself!
Read the whole story at:
http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2009/0414white_house_easter.shtml
Fancy an exciting new job? MI5 needs a science chief.
For the first time in its history, MI5 – the Security Service here in the UK – has decided to recruit a Chief Scientific Officer. Portrayed in the press as the real life Q (the guy who made all the gadgets for James Bond….), this is one job advert that has caught the attention of almost all the mainstream press. In reality the job will probably will not involve gadget design. The main role for the successful applicant will be to see how developments in science and technology can be used to combat terrorism. He or she will be responsible for looking at the security threat from chemical and biological weapons, and also at the risks to computer and Internet security. While this is obviously a good thing for MI5, and also for highlighting the central importance of science in today’s world, I can’t help wondering what they have done up to now….
And the job is only part time! What more could you ask for?
If you think you are up to the task, the link below is to the advert. Closing date is April 24th.
The BBC report (one of many)…
