Previous Fora / 2011
ROCK, Bud
CEO, Association of Science and Technology Centers
Mr. Anthony (Bud) Rock began his duties as the new chief executive officer of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated (ASTC) in 2009. ASTC is a nonprofit international organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science.
Mr. Rock served previously as Vice President for Global Engagement at Arizona State University (ASU), where he was responsible for expanding global awareness among students and developing new and creative international programs of research and scholarship. Before joining ASU, Mr. Rock had a distinguished three-decade career in the U.S. government service, much of it within the U.S. Department of State promoting scientific and technological collaboration throughout the world. His diplomatic service culminated in his five-year appointment as acting assistant secretary and principal deputy assistant secretary of state responsible for oceans, environment, and science.
Mr. Rock served abroad as Minister for Science, Technology, Environment, Health, and Non-Proliferation Affairs in the United States Embassy in Paris, France; was the Counselor for Environment, Science, Technology, and Health at the United States Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium; and was Counselor for Environment, Science, Technology, and Health at the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. Mr. Rock also held positions in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President, as Director for European Technology and Trade Affairs and as Director of Middle East Trade Affairs. In the Department of State, Mr. Rock served as Chief of Policy Planning in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES); Chief for International Health Policy and Chief of International Technology Policy.
Prior to his diplomatic service, Mr. Rock was employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
ABSTRACT
11:00-13:00 18 NOVEMBER
THEMATIC SESSION II. AAAS: “Developing a coherent and compatible science enterprise”
Building Bridges of Understanding and Cooperation Through Collaborative Inquiry-Based Science Learning
Global cooperation in hands-on, inquiry-based science learning has achieved a high trust rate for the accuracy of information, the promotion of dialogue and debate while learning. This form of collaborative science learning promotes social engagement across generations and cultures as well as an ethos of lifelong learning. We must strive to address cross-generational science- and technology related problems that are relevant to local, regional and global communities, and to develop programs that allow the general public to contribute actively to the resolution of these problems. Although trust in scientists remains high, the public does not automatically accept that all scientific advances mean progress for everyone. There is thus a need for improved dialogue between scientists and the public throughout the scientific process and collaborative partnerships across cultural, political, economic and geographical boundaries so as to ensure that the most effective methods of science and technology engagement reach more societies and communities. In the process, we must celebrate the universality of science while recognizing its multicultural origins and the value of indigenous knowledge systems, and we must promote creativity, invention and innovation that leads to
more sustainable life styles.