About C²ST
The Need
As the 21st century begins to unfold, it is clear that we live in a society in which science plays an increasingly significant role. Citizens and their leaders need to achieve a functional level of scientific literacy to deal with issues ranging from global climate change to stem cell research to viral pandemics. It is estimated that about one in four American adults meets a minimal standard of civic scientific literacy. This level of scientific literacy is insufficient to sustain a healthy democratic society or to assure rational consideration of major scientific issues.
Our Mission
C²ST seeks to be the preeminent regional consortium for science- and technology-related education and policy and a prominent voice nationally.
Our Vision
C²ST will be an advocate for regional science policy and among the nations leading source of information on policy issues of science and technology.
In establishing the Chicago Council on Science and Technology in 2006, the founders sought to bring together Chicago’s scientific leaders – academic, corporate, government, museums, universities and national laboratories- to provide a forum for the discussion of current issues of scientific interest.
Dr. Alan Schriesheim, President of C²ST and Director Emeritus of Argonne National Laboratory, and Paul Knappenberger, President of the Adler Planetarium – began discussing the need for a regional organization that could adopt a role in the science community.
Since September of 2007, C²ST has co-sponsored or produced on average two programs per month; partnered with over forty regional organizations; increased membership exponentially. C²ST is an anchor to catalyze a more robust marketplace for science and gain more visibility for Chicago as a center of innovation and technology.
Goals
- Be a voice and advocate for the scientific community in the metropolitan Chicago area.
- Enhance the public understanding and appreciation of science and technology (S&T) through public discussions of emerging and important S&T policy issues.
- Provide opportunities for members of the scientific community to meet each other and develop a greater sense of identity.
- Link academic, business, and public policy leaders to build consensus for science education, technology innovation, and robust knowledge-economy growth in Chicago and the Midwest.
- Maintain a working relationship with the science journalism community in the metropolitan Chicago area, providing special briefings on selected emerging issues.
- Attract new science, engineering and technology based industries to the Chicagoland area.
