Please join the AAAS Science Diplomacy Affinity Group for a panel discussion on science diplomacy opportunities with Cuba, featuring Dr. José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, the first Cuban Ambassador to the United States in over 50 years, and esteemed representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and The Ocean Foundation. This event is free and open to the public. Please share this invitation with your colleagues (flier attached)!

Science Diplomacy with Cuba: Advances and Opportunities

A Panel Discussion Hosted by

The AAAS Science Diplomacy Affinity Group

When:

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015

5:00 – 6:00 pm   Reception

6:00 – 8:00 pm   Panel discussion

[The panel discussion will be followed by a networking happy hour at Capitol City Brewing (see below).]

Where:

AAAS Auditorium

1200 New York Ave. NW (enter at 12^th and H Sts. NW)

Washington, DC 20005

Post-event happy hour (8:10 pm):

Capitol City Brewing Company
1100 New York Ave. NW (1 block from AAAS)

Summary
The historic reestablishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba after more than 50 years presents an exciting opportunity for an unprecedented level of bilateral engagement for mutual benefit. The United States, Cuba, and other countries share an interest in many issues rooted in science and technology, such as advancing human health, protecting biodiversity, and countering trafficking. With only modest investment in scientific research, Cuba has been globally recognized for its advances in medicine and biotechnology, disaster preparedness and response, and marine protection. Further, due to challenges they have faced over the years, Cuban scientists have developed a culture of creativity and familiarity with working across disciplines. Please join us for an interactive panel discussion highlighting Cuban science & technology advances, and identifying challenges and opportunities for advancing bilateral and multilateral scientific cooperation with Cuba.

Panelists:

• Frances Colón, Deputy Science & Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State
• Tim Wiley, Economic Officer, Office of the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Cristina Rabadán-Diehl, Director, Office of the Americas, Office of Global Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Fernando Bretos, Director, Cuba Marine Research & Conservation, The Ocean Foundation, and Curator of Ecology, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
  
• José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, Washington, DC