Science in Society
Browse the latest in Science in Society, including blog articles, Annals research, events, Academy news and more.
Content Spotlight
blog
The Urgent Need for Attention Sanctuaries
April 11, 2025
The commodification of our attention in digital realms has been the focus of news reports, academic research, and even the hit Netflix series “Adolescence.” Researchers and activists are increasingly calling for spaces where we can escape the daily deluge of screen-based content. Published April 11, 2025 By Brooke ElliottEducation Communications Intern Image courtesy of reewungjunerr via stock.adobe.com. More than nine states have implemented rules about cell phone use in schools, and with good reason. Smartphones...
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Academy’s Past – A New Name for a New Era
April 8, 2025
The Lyceum of Natural History in the City of New York was renamed The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) in 1876 to better encapsulate the work and mission of the organization during this era of broad scientific discovery. Published April 8, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager Mott Memorial Hall. Image courtesy of the New York Public Library. Mott Memorial Hall | 64 Madison Avenue | 1867-1878 The Lyceum of Natural History in...
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The UK’s Brightest Young Scientists Shine in London at the 2025 Blavatnik Awards
April 3, 2025
Three remarkable Laureates and six Finalists were recognized for their groundbreaking scientific discoveries during a gala at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, in London Published April 3, 2025 By Kamala MurthySenior Manager, Communications The 2025 Honorees of the Blavatnik Awards in the UK standing outside The Orangery at Kensington Palace. Each year, the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom celebrate the brightest young scientific minds across the UK. In 2025, three remarkable Laureates...
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One of Early America’s Engineering Marvels
March 26, 2025
One of the Academy’s earliest Honorary Members had an immense impact on transportation and economics in the United States during the 19th century. Published March 26, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager DeWitt Clinton. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. DeWitt Clinton, one of The New York Academy of Sciences’ earliest Honorary Members, had a significant political, economic and social impact on New York City and state, though his contributions reverberated across the country. Clinton was...
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A Pioneer in Pap Smears and Cancer Research
March 19, 2025
During her more than half century career, May Chinn, MD, MPH, advanced access to medical care for low-income residents in Harlem, with many of her contributions directly impacting healthcare for women and other disenfranchised populations. Published March 19, 2025 By Brooke ElliottEducation Communications Intern May Edward Chinn during her years at Teacher's College, ca. 1917. Image courtesy of George B. Davis Ph.D./E.F. Foley via NIH. May Edward Chinn was the first woman to graduate from...
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Then Along Came the Second Trump Administration
March 12, 2025
Academy President and CEO Nicholas B. Dirks highlights some of the ways higher education and science in the United States are under threat during the second Trump Administration. Published March 12, 2025 Originally published by Times Higher Education By Nicholas B. DirksPresident and CEO A 1940 Group photo of E. O. Lawrence, A. H. Compton, V. Bush, J. B. Conant, K. Compton, and A. Loomis. Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy/Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory...
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A Social Scientist and Social Critic
March 6, 2025
One of The New York Academy of Sciences early Fellows advanced anthropological understandings of Native tribes. Her social sciences background also extended into feminism and broader societal critiques. Published March 6, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager Elsie Clews Parsons. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Elsie Clews Parsons was born to a prominent New York family in 1875. She earned a BA from the recently established Barnard College prior to completing her PhD in sociology...
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Academy’s Past: Fire Leads to Academy Setback
February 18, 2025
A devastating fire would destroy the Lyceum’s next home, including the Lyceum’s priceless collection that took half a century to assemble. Published February 18, 2025 By Nick FettyDigital Content Manager NYU Medical School | 14th Street and 3rd Avenue | 1851-1866 Courtesy of The New York Public Library The Lyceum of Natural History in the City of New York’s (the Lyceum’s) next home was in the newly constructed NYU Medical School at the intersection of...
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Get Ready with the Disaster Response Game
February 12, 2025
A new virtual scenario game established by the International Science Reserve prepares users for responding to crises like wildfires, hurricanes, and food security. Published February 12, 2025 By Mila Rosenthal, PhDExecutive Director, International Science Reserve We can’t always predict where a disaster will happen next. What we do know is that scientists have a critical role to play in reducing risk and solving problems in a crisis. If you are a scientist looking to prepare...
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Q&A with Academy Board Member Tom Franco
January 28, 2025
Published January 30, 2025 Tom Franco is a Senior Advisor with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC and is also a member of the Board of Governors for The New York Academy of Sciences. With an extensive background in law, business, entrepreneurship, and teaching, he brings a valuable perspective to the Board. We spoke with him to learn more about his background, what motivates him, and why he chose to get involved with the Academy. *some...