The US has a serious problem with the truth—and the lack of it. The Aspen Commission on Information Disorder released its final report in November, assessing the prevalence and implications of unfettered falsehoods and also offering 15 recommendations to combat it. The move was welcomed by The Washington Post Editorial Board as a “cure” for what ails us. CNN, Bloomberg, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and other outlets also cited the report’s findings and proposals. Within the Institute, the Aspen Tech Policy Hub recently launched a prize competition to fund innovative projects that combat information disorder.

Marin Alsop, the Institute’s new Harman/Eisner Artist in Residence, was one of the first woman conductors of a major symphony—but that’s not the only barrier she’s breaking. She helped give Baltimore’s children musical instruments and instruction, connected professional and amateur musicians, and is working to create a global orchestra. And yes, everyone is invited.

Supply-chain issues are more than a holiday inconvenience; they’re a matter of national security. Recently, the Aspen Security Forum gathered leaders from government and business to discuss the US overreliance on other countries for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, semiconductors, and even military components—as well as the delicate balance required to keep trade flowing smoothly.

Science is built upon the free flow of information, with conservation researchers sharing their observations and theories to work toward understanding. Yet some of the keenest observers—the people who live in the environments being studied—are often left out of the conversation. Three scientists, including Aaron Mertz, the founding director of the Science & Society Program, argue that a community science approach is necessary to help heal the areas where humanity and nature intersect.

Aspen Words recently announced the longlist for the 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize, an annual award for a work of fiction addressing contemporary issues like classism, consumerism, and the ravages of colonialism. “What makes these works so powerful is how the stories are told through the multidimensional lens of family—nuclear, relational, parentless, childless—revealing how tenderness and tenacity shape outcome,” said Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur. Learn more about these page-turners.

Make a Donation Today

Your investment in the Aspen Institute’s mission makes our work possible. If you missed Giving Tuesday, there is still time to support our efforts to heal divisions, turn ideas into action, and advance freedom, equity, and justice by making a tax-deductible, end-of-year donation to the Institute’s annual fund. Donate today.

Invisible No More: A Festival of Reproductive Health Rights and Justice for All

December 3, times vary; details here.

Featuring leading Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights experts and advocates, day two of this virtual event will center the voices of those most affected by SRHR policy but least often consulted on their design. Community leaders based in East Africa, Asia, West Africa, and the Americas will share personal narratives around lived experience as well as learned expertise. Register today.

Winter Words with Paula McLain

December 7, 8 - 9pm ET

Join Aspen Words for a conversation with New York Times best-selling novelist Paula McLain, who will discuss her new thriller, When the Stars Go Dark, with Wild Game author and Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur. This event is part of the 25th anniversary season of Winter Words. Tickets and season passes are available here.

Information Disorder Prize Competition Q&A

December 8, 12pm ET

The Aspen Tech Policy Hub is hosting a prize competition to fund innovative projects that combat information disorder, connected to the Aspen Institute Commission on Information Disorder‘s newly-released report. This webinar will provide a competition overview and give prospective applicants an opportunity to ask questions of Hub staff.

Building Trust During Scientific Uncertainty: How Do We Better Respond to Outbreaks?

December 8, 2:30pm ET

Join the Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Program and Boston University’s Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research as they explore what it means to "trust in science" and which messages we have chosen to believe in the age of COVID-19.

COVID Vaccines: The Latest on Adult Boosters, Natural vs. Vaccine-Induced/Hybrid Immunity, and Kids’ Vaccines

December 17, 2:30pm ET

This virtual event hosted by the Science & Society Program will convene leading scientific and medical experts to discuss the most pressing questions around COVID-19 vaccines concerning adult boosters, natural immunity vs. vaccine-induced or hybrid immunity, and kids’ vaccines. A public Q&A will follow the expert discussion.

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