From climate change to vaccines to gene-editing, at times, the public’s relationship with science is determined more by belief than data. A National Geographic filmmaker, a science writer and Nevada's state climatologist will come together on Oct. 21, 2019, to discuss the challenges of communicating science at a time when citizens disagree on so many issues.

Join the Reynolds School of Journalism for the launch event of The Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science: “Communicating Science in a Divided Society.” National Geographic filmmaker Vanessa Serrao, award-winning science writer Peter Laufer and climatologist Dr. Stephanie McAfee will share their expertise at 6:30 p.m. with a reception to follow in the Wells Fargo Auditorium of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Reynolds Professor of Science Communication Kathleen Masterson will moderate the event. 

Serrao produces films on wildlife conservation, the issues of poaching and climate change in the Himalayas. Laufer is an international news correspondent and author who has written more than 15 books, including books on turtles and butterflies that focus on the relationships of humans to animals. McAfee is a climatologist with experience in analyzing both historical climate and projections of future climate.

“The time is right for the launch of the Hitchcock Project, with science communication more important than ever," said Al Stavitsky, dean of the Reynolds School. "This event will introduce campus and community to an innovative new Reynolds School program.”

The Hitchcock Project is an initiative to prepare students, professionals and scientists to present science in visual and creative forms. The project was established through a gift from biochemist and philanthropist Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., in 2018.