STS Events Page Refer to this page for past and present event information and supplements.
Past Event Features
"The Bottom Billion: Breaking the Traps"
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While some developing countries are experiencing unprecedented economic growth, about one billion people in over 50 countries are falling further behind. Collier argues this divergence is a true global tragedy that can only be addressed when industrialized nations adopt new laws and policies that will assist the bottom billion.
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Hear Collier's talk (quick time) or (Windows Media Player)
Sustainability Science in the Public Interest
Keith Douglass Warner OFM of the Environmental Studies Institute presented a seminar on the role of agroecology, biological control and conservation biology in the transition to global sustainability. A Northern California case on aerial spraying for insect control was examined including divergent assumptions about sustainability, the public's interest, and strategies for reconciliation.
Click to read more
The World that Wikipedia Made: The
Ethics and Values of Public Knowledge
A Panel Discussion that Featured Mike Godwin, general counsel, Wikimedia Foundation
Carl Hewitt, emeritus, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT
Pedro Hernández-Ramos, associate director, Center for Science, Technology, and Society.
Wikipedia is ubiquitous on the Web. A search for any obscure information is likely to wind up in a link to one of its entries (try 'sardines' or 'Transylvania' on Google for example). It is an incredible boon: a huge information repository, which has been generated in a few short years. But Wikipedia is not an encyclopedia in the traditional sense; administrators are not always experts in the fields they edit, and the project’s consensus editing model has its detractors. Entries on contested issues, such as the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, have been the site of protracted editing wars between opponents. This panel explored what works and what doesn't in the Wikipedia editing model from the angles of ethics, education, and the law. “The World that Wikipedia Made” was co-sponsored by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, and the High Tech Law Institute. It was the ninth event in an ongoing series about technology, ethics, and the law. Read about Speakers
Biotech Event Featured Vern Norviel,
Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
 On Thursday, May 1st a brown bag seminar, titled “Starting a Life Science Company in the Bay Area,” featured Vern Norviel, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati, and Adjunct Professor of Law, Santa Clara University’s School of Law.
At a time when public stock markets are slow, more money than ever is pouring into innovative life science companies from venture capitalists. These companies provide the technology drivers for innovative solutions to many health care issues facing humanity. The fourth in the Center’s annual series of health-related biotech themed events, Norviel’s presentation will outlined the state of life science funding, and provided a short “boot camp” on how to start a life science company.
More about Vern Norviel
Technology Benefiting Humanity:
Taking Innovation to the Next Stage Sponsored by Applied Materials, Inc.
Presented by Santa Clara University’s
Center for Science, Technology and Society
In Cooperation with the Tech Museum of Innovation
A conference that explored how the work of social benefit entrepreneurs, including those recognized by the Tech Museum Awards–Technology Benefiting Humanity, is breaking down barriers and remaking the rules of innovation, and how Silicon Valley can make a difference by identifying and mobilizing ways technology can address the world’s urgent unmet needs. Read more about the Innovation event View Innovation event videos Read coverage in the Santa Clara magazine - (The Next Stage)
A half-day conference which explored the technical, regulatory, social, and ethical issues in building sustained confidence in a global, virtual marketplace
Santa Clara University’s Center of Performing Arts
October 2, 2007 Featured: - Richard Clarke, Former Special Assistant to the President for Global Affairs, National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism, and Special Advisor to the President on Cyber Security
- Dave Cullinane, Chief Information Security Officer, eBay Inc.
- As well as representatives from Cisco Systems, Microsoft, TRUSTe, Carnegie Mellon, U.C. Berkeley, and a former FTC Commissioner.
 
Sponsored by Microsoft Corporation
Presented by Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, and High Tech Law Institute .
Event: Working to Change the World Sponsored by CSTS and the Commonwealth Club/Silicon Valley
A conversation with:
Bill Coleman, founder, CEO and chairman, Cassatt Corporation
Jim Fruchterman, president and CEO, Benetech
Moderated by:
Jeffrey Miller, venture partner, Redpoint Ventures Thursday, May 24, 2007
The complete audio of this inspiring evening aired on KLIV radio, 1590 AM, Thursday, June 14 at 7 and 10 p.m. Or watch the video here (run time 1 hour)  Two of Silicon Valley's key business leaders, Bill Coleman and Jim Fruchterman, discussed how they've turned their own professional successes into ventures that foster change and better the greater community. Coleman, co-founder of BEA Systems, the fastest-growing technology company in history, and Fruchterman, recipient of the 2006 MacArthur Genius Award, talked about their passion for social improvement. What are the triumphs, risks, and challenges in social benefit entrepreneurship? They elaborated on the models of change that drive and sustain their work and encouraged change that links local action in Silicon Valley to the broader global community. Some of their remarks are captured below: “Here in Silicon Valley, we control immense wealth, immense intellectual property. We have connections, we understand how to solve problems and the world needs our involvement. My message is that the barrier to getting involved is much lower than you may think,” Fruchterman said in his opening comments. “The University right here is putting together the ingredients. We have some of the best minds and mentors… we have the programs started. The opportunity is for us to take it to the next level. The key is not just being able to create great technologies, it is being able to make them available in a sustainable way to people around the world,” said Coleman. Question: “How do these people find funding? How do they get started?” Fruchterman identified the importance of raising money through relationships. He indicated that in this shifting environment, people are looking for investments that “have more leverage.” He said that you must understand what segment you are trying to appeal to for investments. If the entity is investing from an analytical perspective, you need to appeal to their profit pocket, using a business model approach. If it is an investor who invests based on their heart, you need to demonstrate the cause and social outcomes. “If you are passionate and articulate about your cause, people will back you as investors, volunteers and as team members,” Fruchterman said. Coleman explained that the role of social entrepreneurship is not to be a safety net or to attempt to solve the problems of charity. It is to use one’s entrepreneurial creatively to identify ways to leverage technology for the social good in a broader way,that is sustainable. Question: “What are some of the best practices, and how do we get these companies to scale for broader impact?” Coleman underscored the three V’s: Vision. Have a clear vision of what you are doing and why you are doing it. Value. What value are you bringing to your customer base? Values. People buy from people who have values consistent with their own. Closing comments included Fruchterman encouraging social entrepreneurs to use the same level of sophistication and inquisitiveness that they would if they were going into a for-profit business. Coleman pushed for the audience to “…embrace risk, embrace entrepreneurial approaches, make it happen. Whatever your passion is, get involved.” Jeff Miller, who led the discussion, added several insightful closing remarks, stressing that social benefit entrepreneurs must challenge their own set of assumptions. “Don’t let them get in your way,” he said, referencing a Kenyan social entrepreneur he mentored during the Center’s August 2006 GSBI program. He closed the evening by saying “Although the U.S. may have a huge trade deficit, Silicon Valley has an incredible asset, called the entrepreneurial process, which we can export very well and there is no better place to export it to than to those who are working on social needs.” Read Jim Fruchterman's Beneblog | Business School Sustainable Leadership Briefing March 20 SCU Adobe Lodge 7:30 AM Hot breakfast buffet 8:00 – 9:00 AM Presentation The Role of the Social Entrepreneur Moderator:
Pat Guerra, CSTS' Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) co-founder Panelists: David Green, founder of Project Impact Jody Ranck, Co-Director, Institute for the Future, Health Horizons Harry Wiland, Executive Producer of Public Space/Public Health and America's Children; Principal of Going2Green.com For more information: http://www.scu.edu/business/leadership-briefings/march.cfm Video Gaming: Playing with Ethics 
Town hall discussion on the societal impacts of video game play On November 29, 2005, The Tech Museum of Innovation, in partnership with Santa Clara University, presented a unique panel session and open forum discussion on ethics and video gaming. The evening focused on hot topics such as violence, gender issues and addiction as they relate to young gamers. This event took place in conjunction with "Game On", a major new exhibit at The Tech that looks at the evolution of video game play, development and culture over the last 40 years. For the panel transcript 
Listen to audio clips from the event | |     
| New Perspectives: Re-Examining Your China Strategy The Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Santa Clara University hosted a one-day executive seminar on Jan 17, 2006, specifically designed for businesses involved with China as a market, resource, or investment. Titled "New Perspectives: Re-Examining Your China Strategy," the program drew attendees from Xilinx, Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Applied Materials, Agilent, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Cisco, eBay, Vishay, Deloitte and Touche and other Silicon Valley companies. Over 100 people chose up to 3 sessions that matched their needs and interests including Intellectual Property, Contract Creation, Investment Options, Negotiation Strategies, Sourcing/Outsourcing, Ethical Challenges, and Sociological/Organizational Perspectives. Speakers from Deloitte and Touche, Intel, Live365, Santa Clara University Law School, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics*, White and Case LLP, and Zhongsan University, all in one place, on one day. Benefit from getting both a tactical snapshot of this rapidly changing marketplace while also exploring a higher level, strategic view of today’s Chinese business, technology and culture. * Unfortunately, Kirk Hanson, Executive Director of the Center for Applied Ethics, was unable to present due to illness. However, he graciously supplied his power point which can be viewed by clicking on "seminar materials."
View seminar materials.
View speaker biographies.
View presentation abstracts.
View what some attendees had to say. For specific requests or comments regarding this past event, contact Karen Bernosky, 408-554-4154, or kbernosky@scu.edu. | The Ethics and Politics of Search Engines 
On February 27, 2006, despite a heavy downpour, 170 people attended "The Ethics and Politics of Search Engines," a seminar sponsored by Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society and Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Audio and transcript of the panel are available. More information about the event |  | Executive Podcast Series on “The World is Flat – Now What? Implications and Future Directions for Education and Workplace Learning” Listen to high tech business and academic luminaries discuss their unique perspectives on the ideas and issues raised in Thomas Friedman’s book, The World Is Flat. Produced by the Center for Science, Technology, and Society at Santa Clara University, in partnership with the eLearning Forum and Altus Learning Systems, this series features several high profile interviews including: - Regis McKenna, High Tech Marketing Guru, Regis McKenna Inc.
- Bill Coleman, Founder, Chairman, and CEO Cassatt Corporation, Co-Founder BEA Systems
- John King, Dean and Professor, School of Information, University of Michigan
- Pedro Hernandez-Ramos, Assistant Professor of Education, Assistant Director at Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Santa Clara University
- Rigas Arvanits, Center for Sociology of Industry and Technology at Zhongshan University
- Curtis R. Carlson, President and CEO of SRI International
- John Seely Brown, Former Chief Scientist and Director, Xerox PARC
Podcasts are part of the latest influx of technological advances that enable browsers to listen to academic discussions on featured topics without having to be physically present. This particular series utilizes this new communications medium to explore both private sector and university vantage points. It represents a unique intersection – high profile speakers discussing their personal views on a number of forces and events that are “flattening” the global competitive landscape. Navigate to the Podcast Series link, click on the “Executive Podcast Series: The World is Flat, Now What?”, then click on the interview of interest. | 
Center honored at SHG Foundation Good Samaritan Awards The Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) program at the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, was honored at the first annual Software 2006 gala benefit. On April 4th, Jim Koch, Executive Director of the GSBI, accepted the award on behalf of his GSBI co-founders, Al Bruno and Patrick Guerra, acknowledging their essential program leadership. The event, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center, recognized the GSBI program for its substantial contributions to the work of social entrepreneurs around the world—especially those seeking to develop scalable business models. “It is a pleasure to recognize the Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) as a SHG Foundation award winner,” said M.R. Rangaswami, co-founder of the Sand Hill Group. “This entrepreneurial program reflects the spirit of giving and sacrifice, both locally and internationally…” Other award recipients included Shana, a Disaster Management System that uses information technology to accelerate disaster response, relief and rehabilitation in impacted communities, www.sahana.lk , and LiveOps which was recognized for its substantial contributions to aiding Hurricane Katrina victims by setting up a virtual call center that reunited friends and family just days after the disaster. www.liveops.com View the Santa Clara University Press Release View the Sand Hill Group Press Release | 
 | The Center presents: 'Internet Neutrality' Does the internet need to be saved or not, and from what? On Tuesday, April 25 the Center and the Commonwealth Club/Silicon Valley hosted a panel conversation titled “Internet Neutrality.” – a recent controversy that suggest large broadband carriers may start favoring their own services, while slowing down or blocking access to competitors’ web sites and services. The evening started with a pre-event reception for about 100 attendees outside the Recital Hall at the Performing Arts complex. Shortly thereafter, the audience assembled to hear opening remarks by Geof Bowker, Executive Director of the Center for Science, Technology and Society, and panel introductions. Panelists included Tod Cohen, Director of Government Relations, eBay; Allen Hammond, Professor of Law, Santa Clara School of Law and Director, Broadband Institute and John Sumpter, Vice-President, Pac-West. The panel was moderated by Miguel Helft, Editorial Writer, The San Jose Mercury News Read more about the event
Read an OP-ED article on internet neutrality
Listen to streaming audio from the event
| CSTS and Markkula present: Traces of Ourselves: The Ethics and Politics of Databases On May 17th, 2006, over 100 attendees were present at Traces of Ourselves: The Ethics and Politics of Databases. Mitch Kapor, John Arquilla, and S. Leigh Star presented and debated critical issues, including legal frameworks, economic ramifications, and policy implications involved with databases. Find out more about the event: Streaming Audio Transcripts Read an Op-Ed by Center Director Geoffrey Bowker Ethical Questions to Consider View event flyer |  The Tech Museum Honors Bill Gates as 2006 Global Humanitarian The Tech Museum of Innovation, one of the nation’s premier science and technology museums, announced today that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is the recipient of the 2006 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award. Gates will accept this top honor during the annual Tech Museum Awards on November 15th at The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, where 25 innovators from around the world will be celebrated for applying technology in creative and practical ways to solve humanitarian problems and critical issues facing our planet. View the Press Release | The Center for Science, Technology, and Society, in association with the Tech Museum, is proud to announce the 2006 Tech Museum Awards in San Jose, California. The Awards honor outstanding innovations in technological achievement; and the Center is pleased to share in celebrating global advances in technology benefiting humanity. To learn more about the 2006 Tech Museum Awards, please visit www.techawards.org
The Tech Museum of Innovation, one of the country’s leading science and technology museums, named 25 innovators from around the world to be honored by this year’s Tech Museum Awards Program, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., for applying technology to benefit humanity.
View the Press Release |
The Center for Science, Technology, and Society's Executive Director, Geoffrey C. Bowker, was recently presented with the Best Information Science Book award by ASIS&T for his book: Memory Practices in the Sciences.
According to the Association, the coveted and prestigious American Society for Information Science and Technology award represents the greatest recognition and respect professionals may afford their colleagues.
This annual award, is given to the author of an outstanding book relevant to the information sciences, including all communication activities and information science and technology fields defined in the purpose of ASIS&T. Books are judged on their importance to information science and technology, readability, validity, originality, research significance and scholarship.
View the Awards Page
CSTS Senior Scholar Susan Leigh Star will be featured in "Orphans of Infrastructure: Suffering, Engendering and Silence," a women's and gender studies lunch lecture series.
View the Flyer | Inaugural STS Director's Retreat
Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology, and Society hosted the inaugural STS Directors Retreat in March 16 and 17, at the Saratoga Inn. Co-hosted by the Robert and Jean Holtz Center for Science and Technology Studies, University of Wisconsin the gathering brought together directors from various science and technology centers across the United States to discuss their core activities and to share ideas. Some topics addressed included:
What is the future in this field of study?
What are the driving forces or critical topics in this area?
What kinds of administrative hurdles are the centers facing?
The retreat is expected to convene bi-annually. For more information on the retreat and links to each participant's site | |
