Good Science: It Takes An Online Village

David’s lab is an educational facility with a keen interest in looking at unconventional ways of "talking science." Not necessarily in terms of technical concepts (although he does that too), but more from a cultural angle.

As in scientists are real people too, as in the notion of a “science geek” is something to be applauded, as in the scientific method is this thing that works "just so", which makes it both wonderful to explore the world, but also subjects it to many a problem in the realms of literacy, media, and politics.

As such, he believes that the opportunity to provide windows into science culture, particularly its place alongside other perspectives, is key to addressing the challenge of poor scientific literacy.  Furthermore, it seems the web, with its ability to crowd source talent and its tendencies to engage in open source and open access ideals, is an ideal setting to explore all of these different perspectives. 

In his talk, David will attempt to frame these ideas by telling the story of one of his lab’s most recent online initiatives - The Phylomon Project.

About David

David Ng is a geneticist, science educator, wannabe writer, and faculty based at the Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia. You can find out more about his academic dabblings at http://bioteach.ubc.ca

Of note: (1) he is partly responsible for the massive DNA helix emblazoned on his building’s facade; (2) his Dad beat up Bruce Lee; (3) his first foray into general publishing featured a unicorn on the front cover; and (4) his wife and kids are all exemplary.

You can follow his twitter @dnghub