Science in the Public Interest

*Note: The MBTP Faculty Mentors workshop series is restricted to NC State faculty involved in the NIH Molecular Biotechnology Training Program.

What differentiates science in the public interest from other types of science? What are the professional and institutional barriers to working for the public interest? How do scientists navigate the politics of scientific controversy that embroils powerful stakeholders (e.g., private companies, political organizations, interest groups)? In this workshop, we will explore how to engage with our students about the challenges and opportunities of doing science in the public interest. We will hear from a biochemist turned social scientist whose research on genetic engineering has criticized corporate practices and government policy, as well as a weed scientist who has faced controversy when sharing his expertise.

Facilitators

	Dr. Jennifer Kuzma is the Goodnight-NC GSK Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Social Sciences in the School of Public and International Affairs and Co-Director of the Genetic Engineering and Society Center. email | profile
	Dr. Ramon Leon Gonzalez is an Associate Professor of Weed Biology and Ecology in the Crop and Soil Sciences, director of the Weed Biology and Ecology Lab, and a member of the GES Center's Executive Committee. email | profile

This monthly workshop series is designed to train MBTP faculty to better mentor students at the intersection of biotechnology and society, in cooperation with the Genetic Engineering and Society Center and the Genetics and Genomics Initiative. Learn more at https://ges.research.ncsu.edu/academics/mbtp-faculty-mentors/