Virtual Symposium
Data & Democracy
Thursday, July 15
10:00 AM to 4:45 PM EDT
Registration is free, but space is limited: REGISTER NOW
Data is a double-edged sword for democracy...
it can be used responsibly to offer opportunities for better and more humanitarian governance
or it can be exploited by those who seek to monetize information for power or profit.
This symposium explores how data collection, advanced algorithms, and the deployment of automated decision making systems impact civic discourse and elections.
We go on to consider how data-based decision-making can be used in the future to protect democracy and promote good governance.
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DATA & DEMOCRACY SYMPOSIUM
Thursday, July 15
Three 90-minute Sessions and a closing Keynote
Event starts at 10:00 AM EDT
Gerrymandering & Fair Representation
10:00 - 11:30 AM
How is data analysis used to create electoral districts that favor one party or the other? Can we precisely measure the fairness of electoral maps? How can data be used in the pursuit of equal representation?
This session explores the social, political, and technical challenges standing in the way of fair representation.
Speakers (more info):
Will Adler - Center for Democracy & Technology
Michael Li - NYU's Brennan Center for Justice
Moon Duchin - Tufts University, MGGG Redistricting Lab
Media & Misinformation
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
How is social media changing democracy? How are computer algorithms employed to tailor messaging for narrow groups of voters? What are the effects of disinformation campaigns?
This session examines ways in which media is manipulated to control public conversation, derail democracy, and disrupt society.
Speakers (more info):
Joan Donovan - Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy
Deen Freelon - UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Camille Francois - Berkman Klein Center, Graphika
Evidence-Based Policy
2:00 - 3:30 PM
How can policymaking be better informed by evidence and the analysis of data? What methods can governments use to provide transparent and accurate information to citizens?
This session investigates a future in which data transforms government decision-making and accountability.
Speakers (more info):
Corinna Turbes - Data Foundation, Data Coalition
Beth Blauer - Johns Hopkins' Centers for Civic Impact
Emilda Rivers - National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
Keynote Address
3:45 - 4:45 PM
Peter Pomerantsev is a Senior Fellow at the SNF Agora Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he co-directs the Arena Initiative, a research project dedicated to overcoming the challenges of digital era disinformation and polarization, and a contributor to The Atlantic.
Peter is the author of two award-winning books, Nothing is True and Everything is Possible (2014) and This is NOT Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality (2019). His most recent article in The Atlantic, co-authored with Anne Appelbaum, is "How to Put Out Democracy's Dumpster Fire."
The Keynote Address will highlight the challenges and opportunities of data and explain how an Internet that promotes democratic values— instead of destroying them—lies within our grasp.
For every 90-minute session other than the keynote, each speaker will speak for approximately 15 minutes in the order indicated above. A moderator from the organizing committee will facilitate questions and transitions and the group will ultimately join together for a general panel discussion on that session's topic.
In an effort to maintain open and candid discussion and to bypass the need for releases or disclaimers, this event is not being recorded. In order to participate, please register.
Ready to cast your ballot in favor of using the power of data for good?
Vote with your time on Thursday, July 15th.
#Data4Democracy
AAAS - STPF Affinity Groups
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) was started in 1848 with the goal of promoting cooperation among scientists, defending scientific freedom, encouraging scientific responsibility, and supporting scientific education and science outreach for the betterment of all humanity. It is the world's largest general scientific society, with over 120,000 members.
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships (STPF) provide opportunities to outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm. In addition to the duties of their assignment, fellows are encouraged to join affinity groups with other fellows sharing similar skills or interests to foster networking and leadership.
This Data & Democracy symposium is the work of three STPF affinity groups coming together to ask an incredibly salient question in 2021—how can citizens, scientists, policymakers, and government officials work to improve and protect democracy with the power of data.
Disclaimer: While AAAS provides guidance, mentorship, and limited funding for this symposium, the work of STPF affinity groups does not necessarily reflect the views of the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, officers, or members.
AAAS is not responsible for the accuracy of this material. The affinity group members have made this material as a public service and it does not constitute endorsement by the association in any manner.
