Episode 32 of Books and Ideas is an interview with Sheril Kirshenbaum, co-author (with Chris Mooney) of Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future. The focus of our interview was on why it is increasingly important that scientists become skilled at communicating what we do to political leaders and to our fellow citizens. Our future depend on solving complex problems (such as global warning and energy issues), which will require accurate scientific knowledge. Unscientific America provides a fresh look at the on-going problem of scientific illiteracy while offering practical suggestions about how we can re-incorporate science into mainstream culture. It calls on scientists of all ages to embrace the role of citizen-scientist.

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References and Links:

• Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum


• Chris Mooney's interview on the Point of Inquiry Podcast: November 2009.


• Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style by Randy Olson PhD


• The Intersection: Mooney and Kirshenbaum's science blog at Discover.com


• http://sherilkirshenbaum.com/


• "Who are America's science role models? (It's ugly, folks.) " by Eric Burger (March 21, 2008): Most Americans can't even name a living scientist!


• CP Snow and his famous Two Cultures essay (wikipedia)


• The Science & Entertainment Exchange: a program of the National Academy of Sciences that provides entertainment industry professionals with access to top scientists and engineers to help bring the reality of cutting-edge science to creative and engaging storylines.


• Policy Fellowships for Scientists and Engineers: opportunities for scientists and engineers of all ages.

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