WASHINGTON, DC, January 20, 2000 -- The 2000 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will be held February 17 - 22 in Washington, D.C. at the Marriott Wardman Park and the Omni Shoreham Hotels. The newsroom will be located at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Don't miss this opportunity to get the latest research news from more than 600 scientists who are experts in their fields and hear from world leaders. The preliminary program is available online at http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2000/index.htm . Speakers include:
- U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will deliver a special plenary address on February 21.
- J. Craig Venter, Celera Genomics Corporation, will discuss the genomic revolution.
- Carl Djerassi, Stanford University and "father of the birth control pill," will discuss how technological advances today may lead to conception without sex as the norm.
- Kari Stefánsson, de Code Genetics, will describe the project on genetic fingerprinting in Iceland.
- Stephen Jay Gould, Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology, Harvard University, will deliver the AAAS Presidential Address focusing on science, humanities and religion.
More than 140 sessions will highlight emerging issues in science, engineering, and society. A preliminary program is enclosed. Subjects range from:
- nanotechnology and its possibilities for the future
- new studies on chocolate
- clinical trials on homocysteine, the "new cholesterol"
- new techniques to find landmines
- results of early intervention in child development
- implications of the decline in honeybees
- genome strategies for advantageous, rapid evolution
- changes in crime and punishment
- treatment of pain
- the future of space travel
- social behavior among primates and humans
- functional foods: research and marketing
- studies of urban sprawl from space
- the use of math in Hollywood and daily life
HOTEL INFORMATION
Please call the Washington DC Convention and Visitor Association (WCVA) toll free on weekdays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Eastern time at 1-800-535-3336.
Please see the hotel reservation information located at http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2000/hotels.htm . The Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, the site for the newsroom, is located directly across the street from the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
NEWSROOM INFORMATION
The newsroom operation at the AAAS Annual Meeting will be located on the Mezzanine Level of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. It will offer news briefings, a workroom equipped with Internet access and computers, a papers room housing copies of speakers' presentations and private interview rooms. Newsroom registration will open Thursday, February 17, at 8:00 a.m.
Look for the full schedule of news briefings on EurekAlert!, www.eurekalert.org , in early February, or call 202-326-6440 for a copy.
OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE
The International Science Writers Association (ISWA) business meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 20, at 5:00 pm in the Wilson-A room of the Marriott Wardman Park.
Newsroom registrants are invited to attend the annual press reception on Friday, February 18 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm in the Ambassador Ballroom of the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
CREDENTIALS FOR NEWSROOM
Registration will be waived for working reporters, public information officers, journalism professors and their students. Proof of credentials will be required upon registration. Media may register online at http://www.aaas.org/communications/am2000rf.htm .
Reporters - Acceptable credentials include: a recognized press card, a current National Association of Science Writers (NASW), Canadian Science Writers Association (CSWA), International Science Writers Association (ISWA), or Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) membership card, a business card clearly showing media affiliation and position (such as editor, writer, producer, reporter, etc.) or a letter on official letterhead from an editor of a publication or a producer of a program certifying that you are covering the conference for their respective organization. (Please note that freelance journalists will need to present such a letter, unless they can show proof of membership in NASW, CSWA, ISWA, or SEJ). Spouses and other guests of journalists cannot register as press and must pay the regular registration fee.
Journalism Professors and Journalism Students - Proper identification is required at time of registration. Students must present a letter on official letterhead from their journalism professor certifying that they are attending the conference as part of a class activity.
Public Information Officers - Proper credentials include a current National Association of Science Writers Association membership card or a business card clearly showing position (communications officer, editor, writer, public affairs director, public information specialist, etc.) Ad sales representatives, marketing professionals, publishers, program officers and others must register through the AAAS Meetings Office and pay the registration fee.