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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.

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Register Now for the 2026 Symposium

Join us on February 5th for our Symposium, Science at a Crossroads: The Intersection of Politics & Policy. Explore the changing landscape of federal funding, the role of politics and policy in shaping research and innovation, and how we can navigate uncertainty with creativity and resilience. The Symposium will be held in person at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and offers a full day of programming, followed by a networking reception. Register today! 

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New podcast! Gray Territory: The Return of Wolves to Colorado

Colorado is the first state to intentionally bring back wolves by popular vote. But voting was just the beginning. From the ballot box to paws on the ground, join us for Gray Territory, a new limited podcast series that takes a deeper look at wolf reintroduction and explores the complicated reality of coexistence.  

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Colorado Science & Technology Program Fellowship

The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Program (STPP) is a nonpartisan program hosted by the Institute that places scientists and technical experts within the General Assembly’s Legislative Council Staff to provide evidence-based support across a range of issues, including climate, energy, public health, AI and more. Learn more about the program and meet the inaugural Fellows.

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Go in depth.

With new laws and shifting public perceptions, Colorado is at the forefront of the conversation about the potential of psychedelics to transform mental health care. In Psychedelics and Mental Health, from the Science at the Edge series, we explore the growing field of research and evolving medical landscape around these drugs. The webinar features Dr. Scott Thompson, Director of the Center for Novel Therapeutics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry.

In AI and Energy, from our Science at the Edge series, we examine the emerging challenges and opportunities AI presents for our energy grid and the decisions facing Colorado utilities and decision-makers. The panel discussion features Chris Hansen, CEO of La Plata Electric Association, and Kyri Baker, Associate Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Bird flu cases have been making headlines as cases continue to be diagnosed in cattle, wild birds, poultry, and even humans. In Bird Flu & Spillover Events, our expert panel discusses the latest findings on the spread of avian influenza, the conditions that allow for the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, and the impacts on public health, the food chain, and the economy. 

In an age where megafires dominate the headlines, to understand how humans live with fire today requires us to understand our journey to this pivotal moment in time. In a lecture with fire historian Stephen J. Pyne, an emeritus professor at Arizona State University and author of over 30 books, explore the complex relationship between humans and fire. 

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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