Making science second nature.
A project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society’s greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity.
Our Story
Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship - Applications Open until May 31st!
The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) is a new nonpartisan program serving Colorado, where scientists and technical experts work with the state legislature, staff, and key stakeholders to address pressing science policy challenges related to climate, energy, public health, natural resources, AI and technology, and more.
Learn more about the Colorado STPF at our virtual information session on Tuesday, May 13 at 12 pm MT. Click here to register on Zoom. Applications are due by 6 pm MT on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and the fellowship year begins by October 2025.
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Observer Documentary Film Event
Join us at the Museum on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. for “Observer,” a new documentary that takes scientists, artists, and more to locations around the world, and asks them to simply describe what they see. What unfolds is a deep exploration and celebration of the power of observation. Following the screening, participants will receive Observer Kits, and be led outside on a short, guided activity to see what unfolds! Check out the trailer here.
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Introducing the Compass Series: Navigating our Current State of Affairs
Engage with us in a new limited series that will help you navigate critical topics at the intersection of science, policy, and human behavior within the current political climate, no matter your political affiliation. We'll provide resources, tools, and ways to engage across diverse perspectives, and introduce you to thoughtful people working at the forefront of these issues. From bridging divides and navigating uncertainty to combating misinformation and building trust, join us in examining the core challenges we continually face in positioning science as a trusted voice in policy discussions and the role of our human nature in it all.
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Go in depth.
In the first session of our Climate Interventions series, we explore solar geoengineering approaches. Also known as solar radiation modification (SRM), it seeks to cool the planet by reflecting some of the incoming energy back to space. Our panel discusses the latest deliberations around research, governance, impacts, and more. Featuring Wil Burns, The Institute for Responsible Carbon Removal; Lisa Dilling, Environmental Defense Fund; and Shuchi Talati, The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering.
Explore the the innovation, benefits, and tradeoffs surrounding cell-cultivated meat from the scientific challenges and government regulations to the impacts on ranching communities, public perceptions, and more. Guests included Jennifer Martin, meat safety expert and Assistant Professor at CSU and the Colorado School of Public Health, and Matt Hotze, Director of Science and Technology at the Good Food Institute.
Watch our discussion on the roots of our current divisiveness and new ideas for reducing polarization, from the role of media to interventions that work. Our panelists examine how differing political views intersect with our values, perceptions, and identities. Speakers include Stephen Hawkins, Director of Research for More in Common, Laura Frank, Executive Director of the Colorado News Collaborative, and Jan G. Voelkel, a researcher at the Polarization and Social Change Lab at Stanford University.
Watch our discussion on how carbon capture technology has evolved, how it is being used, and the current deliberation of its benefits and tradeoffs. Guests included Will Toor, Executive Director of the Colorado Energy Office, and Ahmed Abdulla, professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University and of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University.
Join us as we discuss the potential media threats AI tools such as ChatGPT pose to spreading misinformation and false narratives across the digital landscape. Associate Professor of Information Science Casey Fiesler talks with Institute Director Kristan Uhlenbrock from the University of Colorado where she is a leading researcher of technology ethics, internet law and policy, and online communities. From bias issues to accountability and media ethics, learn how AI will impact our ability to trust information in an increasingly polarized world.
Wolves in Colorado: The Colorado Plan
Following the passage of Proposition 114, the 2023 Draft Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan is now complete. Our panelists offer a broad overview of the plan and explore the process of reaching a consensus on this controversial issue.
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