Democratizing Science: Of the people, For the people, By the people
In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, Dr. Jane Roskams, a neuroscientist, talks about how a people-powered revolution is Making Science Great Again - giving birth to a new scientific democracy where the Open Science and Citizen Science movements converge. Jane believes expert silos and scientific elitism have left the public prey to misinformation - placing lives in danger - and powerless to contribute to changing our future. She explains how the Open Science movement has driven inclusive global online collaboration to combat threats like COVID 19 and climate change. She urges people without scientific training -from Uber drivers to hairdressers - to follow their passions, believe in their insight, re-envision scientific discovery, and help sculpt the Artificial Intelligence of the future.
More to explore:
- Learn more about Citizen Science at https://www.citizenscience.gov/#
- Read about Dr. Jane Roskam’s work (with links to open and citizen science projects) https://www.janeroskams.com
- View the TedXGreensboro talk by Caren Cooper, Citizen Science: Everybody Counts https://youtu.be/G7cQHSqfSzI
- Watch Emilee Weir talk about Citizen Science at the TedXYouth@Dayton event https://www.ted.com/talks/emilee_weir_we_want_you_to_help_our_scientists_the_power_of_citizen_science
- Learn about how Open Science protects us with Tim Smith at https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_smith_how_open_science_protects_us
Making music with your mind
What’s the importance of music in your life? In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, Dr. Thomas Deuel argues music is much more than a cultural cornerstone--it’s a critical function.
As a lifelong musician and practicing neurologist, Dr. Deuel found an innovative--and life-changing--way to combine his two passions. See how his project empowers individuals to live richer lives as they use brain signals to play music.
More to explore:
- Learn more about Thomas Deuel: https://tedxseattle.com/speakers/thomas-deuel/
- Hear the latest findings from Kay M. Tye in her talk, “What investigating neural pathways can reveal about mental health”: https://www.ted.com/talks/kay_m_tye_what_investigating_neural_pathways_can_reveal_about_mental_health
- Watch Marvin Minsky’s eccentric talk on health and humanity, “Health and the human mind”: https://www.ted.com/talks/marvin_minsky_health_and_the_human_mind
- See what Vilayanur Ramachandran can tell us about the connection between cerebral tissue and the mind, “3 clues to understanding your brain”: “https://www.ted.com/talks/vs_ramachandran_3_clues_to_understanding_your_brain
Exploring the octopus mind
In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, learn how Dominic Sivitilli relates octopus intelligence with the biological realities of the human mind.
Through his work at the University of Washington, Sivitilli has had the opportunity to think deeply about the distributed nature of the octopus’s nervous system. Centered on how the octopus’s arms can behave independently, he takes us on an exploration of differing, almost alien-like intelligence, and challenges how we think about the function of our own minds.
More to explore:
- Learn about Dominic Sivitilli’s role at the University of Washington’s Astrobiology department at https://depts.washington.edu/astrobio/wordpress/profile/dominic-m-sivitilli/
- View “The Discoveries Awaiting us in the Ocean’s Twilight” presented by Heiti Sosik at TED’s Audatious Project: https://www.ted.com/talks/heidi_m_sosik_the_discoveries_awaiting_us_in_the_ocean_s_twilight_zone
- Watch Roger Hanlon talk about “The Amazing Brains and Morphing Skin of Octopus and other Cephalopods” at TED 2019 here: https://www.ted.com/talks/roger_hanlon_the_amazing_brains_and_morphing_skin_of_octopuses_and_other_cephalopods
- Laura Robinson discusses the secrets of the mysterious ocean floor at TedxBrussels: https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_robinson_the_secrets_i_find_on_the_mysterious_ocean_floor
Can we cure HIV with an injection?
HIV was thought to be incurable, but after undergoing risky stem cell transplant surgeries, several patients no longer exhibit the deadly virus. Scientist Dr. Hans-Peter Kiem takes that idea a step further and shares his pioneering research using new gene-editing techniques. His bold vision may one day allow patients anywhere in the world to receive a single injection to stop HIV and other deadly diseases in their tracks.
Special thanks to core the TEDxSeattle organizing team, 100+ volunteers, and our generous partners – without you, this experience would not be possible. Find out more about our talks, speakers, entertainers, activities, and year-round events at TEDxSeattle.com.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark in-depth discussion and connection in a community setting. These events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
Hans-Peter, the Director of the Stem Cell and Gene Therapy program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is known as a pioneer in the development of new gene-editing technologies. Through his work as an oncologist providing bone marrow transplants to leukemia patients, Dr. Kiem learned it’s possible to modify genes in blood marrow stem cells and convey those genetic changes to a patient.
Hans-Peter and his team hope to achieve cures for diseases like HIV, cancer, sickle cell anemia, and other blood disorders with this ability to repair or modify genes by editing stem cells to carry healthier or disease-resistant versions of genes before transplant. He is currently pioneering “in vivo” and “ex vivo” approaches to make gene therapy and gene editing more broadly available and accessible to those living with HIV, especially in resource-limited settings.
He received his M.D. and Ph.D., at the University of Ulm in Germany. Hans-Peter came to the United States in 1988 and completed research at Stanford University. He received a degree in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University before an oncology fellowship at the University of Washington led to his work with the Fred Hutch.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Dr. Hans-Peter Kiem, the Director of the Stem Cell and Gene Therapy program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is known as a pioneer in the development of new gene-editing technologies. Through his work as an oncologist providing bone marrow transplants to leukemia patients, Dr. Kiem learned it’s possible to modify genes in blood marrow stem cells and convey those genetic changes to a patient.
Dr. Kiem and his team hope to achieve cures for diseases like HIV, cancer, sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders with this ability to repair or modify genes by editing stem cells to carry healthier or disease-resistant versions of genes prior to transplant. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
A trip through the invisible universe
How much of the world around us can we truly see? David Blatner takes us on a mind-bending, fast-paced journey through the scale of the universe and our place in it. Playing with numbers and space in ingenious thought experiments, David hopes to expand our thinking, give us a profound experience of wonder, and allow us to discover that what’s invisible is also essential.
Special thanks to core the TEDxSeattle organizing team, 100+ volunteers, and our generous partners – without you, this experience would not be possible. Find out more about our talks, speakers, entertainers, activities, and year-round events at TEDxSeattle.com.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark in-depth discussion and connection in a community setting. These events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
David is a renaissance raconteur, a graphic design guru, and an expert on the infinite. His prolific career spans an array of subjects, but the common thread is his passion for demystifying complex subjects. He is the author of 15 books, including Spectrums: Our Mind-Boggling Universe from Infinitesimal to Infinity and The Joy of Pi, and Silicon Mirage: The Art and Science of Virtual Reality.
David is a co-founder of the InDesignSecrets website and InDesign Magazine and co-hosts a podcast by the same name. He publishes CreativePro.com and also co-hosts CreativePro Week, a week-long set of conferences for creative professionals. He has spent the past 20 years traveling the world — presenting, learning, exploring, and writing.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
David Blatner is a renaissance raconteur, a graphic design guru, and an expert on the infinite. His prolific career spans an array of subjects, but the common thread is his passion for demystifying complex subjects. He is the author of 15 books, including Spectrums: Our Mind-Boggling Universe From Infinitesimal to Infinity and The Joy of Pi, and Silicon Mirage: The Art and Science of Virtual Reality. Blatner is also the co-founder of the Innerfaith Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging science and spirituality. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
TEDxSeattleSalon: Becoming Thought Leaders
TEDxSeattle speakers who have brought innovation to the fields of business and medicine, through non-standard approaches, will share how they did it during this mid-week evening discussion.
Maura O'Neill, the former Chief of Innovation for the U.S. Agency for International Development (a role she developed in the Obama https://tedxseattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_0549-e1527542780886-1.jpgistration) is a serial entrepreneur, instructor, and researcher on the topic of "narrow-mindedness" and its effect on science, medicine, business, and government. She was also a featured speaker at TEDxRainier in 2015. That presentation is linked, below.
Mónica Guzmán is a journalist reinventing media as a way for Seattleites to better connect. She is also the co-founder and director of The Evergrey, a new community media newsletter and platform that helps us, "Live like you live here." Prior to The Evergrey, Mónica was a columnist at the Seattle Times, GeekWire, The Daily Beast the the Columbia Journalism Review.
Mavis Tsai is a UW research scientist and clinical psychologist, and the founder of a new movement to increase deep social connections. This movement is spreading through cities on a global scale, led by facilitators whom she trains on learnings based on her research. Her work creates more accessible ways to provide meaningful connections at an affordable scale for all people, worldwide. For a sneak peek, you can also check out her previous talk at TEDxEverett.
When you purchase a ticket, you can expect an interesting and interactive discussion of thought leadership and innovation.
Blue jeans or blue water? Fashion powering conservation around the world
Most people don't link high fashion with the conservation movement but Ava Holmes founded Fashion for Conservation (FFC) to do exactly that.
Ava and her team of industry-leading fashion professionals and her colleagues in the conservation movement have been raising awareness as well as funds by producing wildlife-inspired fashion campaigns and hosting events at Fashion Weeks around the world such as Elephantasia, a campaign to help protect African elephants, And now Elephantasia can be seen as part of TEDxSeattle in the first fashion show included in a TEDx talk. Inspired by her film producer mother and by her father, an instructor in outdoor survival skills, Ava grew up with a deep love of nature as well as beautiful art. A noted producer, Holmes’ career in fashion has always been influenced by her connection to nature, so combining her interests in fashion and conservation became an obvious choice. Eschewing traditional fashion production because of its excessive waste, Holmes decided fashion should be the solution to its own problem and created Fashion for Conservation. It’s working. Her nature-inspired approach to fashion is featured on the catwalk in fashion weeks worldwide as well as in mainstream media, reaching non-traditional audiences with a message of conservation. Fashion for Conservation now funds a variety of innovative conservation projects in threatened ecosystems around the world.
Setting scientific research free
The results from taxpayer-funded, scientific research are often locked behind a paywall.
Jennifer Hansen, a senior officer in Knowledge and Research at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says the cost of accessing that data is too high. Limiting access to the research results in social inequity and puts human lives at risk. She argues that the current model of research distribution is overdue for disruption. Hansen says it’s time to foster a scientific revolution through open access to data. Jennifer Hansen is an equity advocate with a fierce dedication to ensuring information and scientific knowledge is free and available to all. Her professional career has revolved around closing the digital divide and inspiring others to believe in the power of knowledge to shape their world. Ms. Hansen currently works at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the Senior Officer for Knowledge & Research. She drives the strategy development and management of the foundation’s research outputs and is an influencer in shaping the future of scholarly communication. She championed and led the implementation of the Foundation’s groundbreaking Open Access Policy – a policy requiring that all its funded published research be immediately available to everyone, everywhere without barrier or restriction. Nature called the bold action to open up scholarly research the”world’s strongest policy on open access research.” And, The Economist described it as “something that may help to change the practice of science.”
Creating purposeful wonder
Inspired by the view through his first telescope of a fuzzy, but awe-inducing glimpse of Saturn, entrepreneur Jim Haven was spellbound by wonder.
He is now creating ways to discover and share that sense of wonder with others. Haven’s message to all of us is look up and wonder. A lifelong daydreamer and former advertising creative, Jim learned from some of the most creative people in the business before forming a creative agency in Seattle and London. It was this relationship with creativity that inspired him to change careers and a chance encounter with Saturn that has sparked his present endeavor. Jim has turned his focus skyward, co-founding Look Up where he serves as Wondernaut and Executive Director. Look Up explores the power of wonder through art, science, and space. The organization is creating collaborative experiences designed to incite wonder.
Disease eradication is within reach
Steve Davis is working to bring an extraordinary vision to reality—the global elimination of some of the world’s most deadly and debilitating diseases.
Davis is the president and CEO of PATH, a 40-year-old, Seattle-based, global health-focused, non-governmental organization which works on vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system/service innovations. In this talk, Davis lays out the “how to” of disease elimination calling on his diverse experience as a former human-rights lawyer, a nationally-recognized technology business innovator and social activist. Steve Davis, president and CEO of PATH, combines extensive experience as a technology business leader, global health advocate, and social innovator to accelerate great ideas and bring lifesaving solutions to scale. Prior to joining PATH in 2012, he served as director of Social Innovation at McKinsey & Company, CEO of the global digital media firm, Corbis, interim director of the Infectious Disease Research Institute, and he practiced law at the international law firm K&L Gates. Earlier, he worked extensively on refugee programs and policies, and Chinese politics and law. Mr. Davis is a lecturer on social innovation at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He currently is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the board of InterAction, and sits on several advisory groups, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Social Innovation and the Clinton Global Initiative’s Global Health Advisory Board. He also serves as a trustee of the World Economic Forum’s Global Health Challenge. Mr. Davis earned his BA from Princeton University, his MA in Chinese studies from the University of Washington, and his law degree from Columbia University. He also studied at Beijing University.
We're drowning in BS, but you can learn how to fight back
Jevin West is not afraid to call out bullshit for what it is and wants to teach us how to do the same.
West is an assistant professor and co-creator of a new course, “Calling BS: data reasoning in a digital world” at the University of Washington. In this engaging talk, West shows how dangerous and misleading some news stories can be and warns that while BS is fairly easy to create, it’s harder to clean up, especially when shared relentlessly on social media. Jevin D. West is an Assistant Professor in the Information School at the University of Washington. He co-founded the DataLab, a collection of faculty and graduate students focused on research in Data Curation, Computational Social Science, Data for Social Good, Information Visualization and the Science of Science. He is one of the chief architects of the new Data Science curricula for undergraduate and graduate programs at UW. Together with Carl Bergstrom, he developed the Calling Bullshit course to help the public refute the onslaught of misinformation in today’s digital and data-driven environments. The course is being adopted at universities and high schools around the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Health Science Discovery Tour
Seattle is known as the Silicon Valley for saving lives. Join this tour to see how the Center for Infectious Disease Research is contributing to that reputation, and get a hands-on look at how science research for health is done.
Alexis Kaushansky (speaker at TEDxSeattle2016) and colleagues at the Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) will be providing interactive learning tours of several of the labs with complementary expertise and specialties at this globally known research center. These tours will explore the tagline of CIDR and help give new experiences that shed light on People, Science, and Hope. This adventure will:
- Allow you to experience a day in the life of Tuberculosis
- Tour the Malaria Lab tour and mosquito dissection
Every year, nearly 4 million people die from the “Big Three” (HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria) infectious diseases. For real progress in combating these diseases and other infectious diseases, fundamental knowledge is still lacking. Successfully preventing and treating these infectious diseases will require, and will be dramatically hastened by, a deep scientific understanding of pathogen biology, the human immune system, and the interface between them. CIDR has a diverse group of researchers from many disciplines, and we are fortunate to all be working under the same roof and for the same global mission. Because of this, we utilize collaboration and come together to share strategies and knowledge. We aim to discover potential overlaps in disease functionality and to identify the grand challenges of infectious disease research. Together, we have greater potential to combat some of the world’s most devastating diseases.