Religion is a lens that affects the way we view ourselves and others. Although it touches every aspect of our civilization, it can be difficult to discuss it civilly. Simran Jeet Singh, the new director of the Aspen Institute’s recently renamed Religion & Society Program, believes that creating a society where religious and nonreligious people can respect and engage together across beliefs will lead us to stand up for one another’s humanity. In the wake of the Texas synagogue hostage crisis and the spike in crimes against houses of worship, he says it’s clear that we’ve got to get comfortable talking about religion.

We’re all familiar with climate change’s biggest contributors and the efforts to decarbonize high-emitting sectors like energy and transportation. Yet most aspects of modern society contribute to climate change. The Institute’s Energy and Environment Program has created a model to help industries and businesses develop their own climate action plans—and to make them more effective.

Myriam J. A. Chancy did not expect to write a novel about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Though the Haitian-Canadian-American professor gave talks about the disaster and its aftermath, she says turning it into fiction was the “furthest thing from my mind.” But Chancy recognized that her latest novel, What Storm, What Thunder, was an opportunity to bear witness to what so many had experienced and continue to endure. She spoke to Aspen Words about her book and her role as a writer in this moment.

One of the most powerful tools we have to address our world’s challenges is the cultivation of values-based leadership. In this spirit, the Aspen Institute’s 37th Annual Awards Program honored Dr. Francis Collins and Ursula M. Burns for tackling today’s biggest issues––the pandemic and racial inequity. See Dr. Collins, featured in conversation with Andrea Mitchell, and Ms. Burns, featured in conversation with Darren Walker, and learn more about these extraordinary leaders.

What may look like scientific papers are distorting and killing science. In an article for Nautilus, Aaron F. Mertz, director of the Science & Society Program, explains the dangers behind a new kind of pseudoscience he calls “zombie science.”

Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield and Executive Director of the Latinos & Society Program Domenika Lynch appeared in San Antonio for the City Learning and Action Lab, a new initiative focused on strengthening Latino small business ecosystems. Learn more by reading coverage of this work in the San Antonio Business Journal and San Antonio Express-News.

NextGen Network Transatlantic Initiative Report Launch

January 26 – 9am ET

With rising autocracy, growing economic insecurity, climate threats, and rapidly developing technology, the deeply rooted transatlantic relationship faces old and new challenges. The NextGen Network, a group of young leaders from across the United States and Europe, share the findings of their new report that tackles these issues head on.

Big Challenges, New Ideas: Will 2022 Be the Biggest Year Yet for Inclusive Savings?

January 26 – 2:30pm ET

Join the Financial Security Program and the Aspen Leadership Forum on Retirement Savings for a discussion on ways new policies, product innovations, and leadership can expand the access and adequacy of the retirement savings system for millions of Americans.

Leading Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations

January 27 – 11:30am ET

Rohini Anand will discuss her new book, Leading Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion, on transforming cultures and growing businesses around the world. She joins the Institute’s VP of People & Culture, Miecha Ranea Forbes for a conversation hosted by Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

Food is Medicine Report Launch

January 27 – 12pm ET

Emerging research indicates that nutrition can play a powerful role in preventing, managing, and treating diet-related chronic disease, but there’s far more to learn. Join the Food & Society Program and the Harvard Law School Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation for the launch of a brand-new Food is Medicine Research Action Plan. They’ll share dozens of recommendations to guide the next decade of equity-centered research in the field.

Better Arguments 101

January 31 – 1pm ET

Join the Citizenship and American Identity Program for a one-hour introduction to The Better Arguments Project. Participants will reflect on the role of arguments in a healthy democracy and will introduce the three dimensions and five principles of a Better Argument. If you are new to The Better Arguments Project, this session is a perfect way to get started.

Date change: Aspen Ideas: Climate, a multi-day event focused on global and local solutions to the climate crisis, will now take place May 9-12 (it was previously scheduled for March 3-7). Registration is now open. Buy your pass today.

Please note that in-person and hybrid events are subject to change due to the pandemic. Visit event pages for the latest updates.

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