EVENT: Scientists who study topics ranging from new strategies for addressing our nation’s energy needs to subatomic interactions in physics to mysteries of the art world will present their work in three separate symposia at the world’s largest scientific gathering, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), February 12-16, 2009, Hyatt Regency Chicago. [http://www.bnl.gov/aaas09/]

SYMPOSIA:

Basic Research for Global Energy Security: A Call to Action
Friday, February 13, 2009, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency, Grand F

A discussion of innovations in producing, converting, transmitting, storing, and using energy, and how basic research — particularly in the emerging field of nanoscience — is enabling advances in catalysis, superconductivity, artificial photosynthesis, and other areas. Speakers will demonstrate how these research directions align with a strategy outlined in a new DOE Office of Science report, “New Science for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future.”

Moderated by James Misewich, Brookhaven National Laboratory, with:

• Nathan Lewis, California Institute of Technology
• Paul Alivisatos, University of California and Interim Director Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Yet-Ming Chiang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• John Sarrao, Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Vallampadugai Arunachalam, Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy
• George Crabtree, Argonne National Laboratory
• Michelle Buchanan, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (discussant)

Details: http://www.bnl.gov/aaas09/energy.asp

Quest for the Perfect Liquid: Connecting Heavy Ions, String Theory, and Cold Atoms
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 10:30 a.m. - Noon, Hyatt Regency, Regency C

Experts from Brookhaven Lab’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), string theory, and atomic physics will explore exciting connections between their seemingly unrelated fields, including the surprise finding of similar physics at opposite extremes of temperature, and the use of string theory as a tool for understanding these phenomena.

Moderated by Peter Steinberg, Brookhaven National Laboratory, with:

• Barbara Jacak, Stony Brook University
• John E. Thomas, Duke University
• Clifford Johnson, University of Southern California
• Glennda Chui, Symmetry Magazine (discussant)
• William A. Zajc, Columbia University (discussant)

Details: http://www.bnl.gov/aaas09/perfectLiquid.asp

Casting New Light on Ancient Secrets
Monday, February 16, 2009, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency, Grand C North

The fascinating secrets of our ancient world are being uncovered with the assistance of state of the art, non-destructive x-ray techniques. This symposium presents an insight into the capabilities of the many light source research facilities located around the world in relation to archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology.

Moderated by Murray Gibson, Argonne National Laboratory, with:

• Ernest Fontes, Cornell University
• Uwe Bergmann, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• Francesca Casadio, The Art Institute of Chicago
• Paul Tafforeau, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
• Jen Hiller, Diamond Light Source
• Peter Siddons, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Details: http://www.bnl.gov/aaas09/newLight.asp

For more information about these symposia and Brookhaven National Laboratory, please visit our booth, number 1213-1215, in the Hyatt Regency Exhibit Hall, Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15.