Many issues currently associated with research in the biological sciences generate concern among the general public. Though recent and future developments in the Life Sciences have the potential to enhance our quality of life, the general public often greets these developments tentatively and, at times, with fear. There is a need for public discussion surrounding these discoveries free of misinformation and misconception. The UCSD Division of Biological Sciences has taken on a leading role in diminishing those fears through its community education programs and activities. These programs include online information and links relevant to current issues, special seminars and events especially developed for the public, such as the Grey Matters Lecture Series and the successful UCSD-TV series, Science Matters, which addresses many recent biological developments, their potential benefits, and ethical implications.


 
Launched in 2004-05, the Grey Matters Lecture Series: Molecules to Mind brings the latest research on the brain-mind connection to the nonscientist in lectures held at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Now in its second season, the series has received high marks from its intended audience and is also available on local cable channels and the national UC cable network. (More...)
 
Sharing the excitement of scientific discovery with K-12 students, teachers, and the greater community remains an important goal of UCSD Biological Sciences. Empowering people to make sound decisions about sicence is more crucial than ever. Furthermore, as employment in science and engineering occupations is projected to increase three times faster than the overall job growth rate, more K-12 students need to be encouraged to consider careers in science.

 
At the annual Expanding Your Horizons conference, UCSD Biological Sciences researchers present hands-on/minds-on workshops to girls from all over San Diego County. The goal is to expose the 500 girls who attend the conference to the wide range of career opportunities in the sciences and kindle in them a passion for science. (More...)
 
UCSD biologist James Nieh and his group founded ORBS (Opportunities for Research in the Behavioral Sciences ) to develop exercises that raise awareness and interest in bee biology and the importance of native bees to local ecosystems. ORBS is geared toward students from grade school through college here and abroad. The program also develops exercises that teachers can use in the classroom and uses the Internet to experiment with distance learning and new technologies. (More...)

 
UCSD biologists mentor high school science students, many of whom have gone on to win major awards in prestigious competitions such as the San Diego Science Fair. Pictured here: professor Robert Dutnall with student Aleksander Gorin from the Children's Creative and Performing Arts Academy. Gorn won a first place award in the senior division for biochemistry in the 2005 San Diego Science Fair as well as the Intel/ISEF trip Sweepstakes.
Among the many educational video programs developed recently is the popular Science Matters Series which delves into the latest advances and research in the life sciences with such topics as biodiversity, plant genetics, and DNA. In addition to the videos, materials for teachers include learning activities and sample curricula. (More...)