Set for 12-16 February in Seattle, Washington, the world's largest general scientific conference offers free events for families and job-seekers, as well as a peer-reviewed technical program for scientists, educators and policymakers. The Meeting will draw some 6,000+ individuals from around the world, including 1,000 press registrants.

Why does this year's AAAS (Triple-A-S) Meeting focus on marine science, world health and family science activities?

"Marine life is disappearing faster than scientists can identify it, affecting our ecosystems and our food choices," said Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of Science Magazine. "Researchers also are racing to address diseases such as AIDS, which has orphaned millions of children, and the health impacts of global warming."

At the same time, Leshner said, parents are searching for easy, effective ways to keep children excited about the science that affects all our lives, everyday.

Family Science Days, featuring ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, mysterious Oobleck goo, the physics of wheels and a Super Cool Science Show, were added to this year's Meeting as a public service. The free events will take place from 12 noon to 5:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday, 14-15 February, in the Washington Convention & Trade Center.

Another new feature of this year's Meeting, the Oceans for Everyone town hall gathering, will bring together policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, fishing professionals and the public to address critical marine science questions. Some 300 attendees are expected to participate in the town hall, set for Sunday, 15 February, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the Convention Center, rooms 2A and 2B. (Pre-r
'"/>

Contact: Monica Amarelo
mamarelo@aaas.org
206-774-6330
American Association for the Advancement of Science
5-Feb-2004