Oct 7-10 2008 - Writing Science at the Writing University

Writers and scientists don't always speak the same language, but an upcoming colloquium aims to bridge that gap.

"Writing Science at the Writing University" will take place Oct. 7-10 at the University of Iowa, home to several renowned writing programs, top-ranked research programs, and one of the nation's premier academic medical centers.

Sessions will engage top scholars, educators and writers in discussions about effective writing that can flow across boundaries between the humanities, the sciences and the public.

The conference features writing about science of all sorts, from science journalism to poetry. National, regional and local speakers will discuss a broad range of topics, including communicating science in writing, writing science textbooks, the impact of the writing on the process of learning science, science and creative writing, environmental sciences, public health policy and more.

UI President Sally Mason and Graduate College Dean John Keller will open the colloquium at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Room 1289 of the Carver Biomedical Research Building with welcoming remarks and brief comments on two new UI initiatives: the Sustainability Initiative -- the university's commitment to green facilities and environmental practices -- and the Writing University Initiative -- a project to continue and expand the UI's dedication to great creative, nonfiction, and scholarly writing ( http://writinguniversity.uiowa.edu/ ).

"This colloquium is a perfect opportunity to connect Iowa's tradition of writing excellence and its groundbreaking research in the sciences," Mason said. "The possibility of a sustainable future depends on our commitment to living ethically in our global environment. Through research, writing, teaching and outreach, the University of Iowa aims to contribute to these efforts by fostering an informed society in which individual decisions make a tremendous difference."

The UI's Project on Rhetoric of Inquiry ( POROI ), International Writing Program, Graduate College, and 16 programs across campus are co-sponsoring the free, public colloquium. Registration is not required, and attendees can participate in any or all sessions. For a schedule, visit http://poroi.grad.uiowa.edu/conferences/2008/writing-science-at-the-writing-university

Session topics will appeal to a variety of audiences, including:

--Scientists and researchers interested in writing about their work for the general public.

--Writers interested in science writing, including journalists, fiction and nonfiction writers, poets and textbook authors.

--Educators seeking innovative ways to energize and engage young people who are learning science.

--Advocates for the environment, animal rights and public health.

--Citizens interested in examining ways that writing can contribute to our understanding of the world and positively affect decisions we make at home, at work, at the polls and at the stores.

Sixteen UI faculty and staff members will share their perspectives on links between science and writing. The UI presenters represent an array of fields, including biology, business, ophthalmology, internal medicine, hydrology, chemistry, science education, English, engineering, creative and nonfiction writing, global health, women's studies, rhetoric and communication studies.