By Shane M. Hanlon

Being a scientist in Washington D.C. can be exciting with many opportunities in research, policy, and communication. This month is going to be an especially amazing time to be a scientist in the nation’s capital, especially if you’re interested in science communication.

The annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting is being held in D.C. on February 11th – 15th. The theme this year is “Global Science Engagement”. AAAS is a little different than other societal meetings as it doesn’t cater to a specific discipline. Instead, there is a focus on policy, communication, and engagement. There are multiple sessions and workshops that cater to scientists who want to learn more about communication and engage with various groups from communities to politicians (e.g. this one co-hosted by Sharing Science). Perhaps as a result of the AAAS meeting, there are a ton of science communication and storytelling events going on in the city this month:

SC in DC! by Story Collider – Wed. 10 Feb @ 8:00 p.m. $10 cover.
We believe that, now, more than ever, science is a part of everyone’s life. At The Story Collider, you’ll hear from scientists about all the times things went wrong, and occasionally right, in their labs, but you’ll also hear from people who haven’t had a formal connection to science since high school. We have physicists, comedians, neuroscientists, writers, actors, doctors, and many, many more telling their story. Some are heartbreaking; some are hilarious. They’re all true, and all, in one way or another, are about science. (They also have a podcast.)

Spring Fling Thing by Thirst D.C. – Thurs. 11 Feb @ 8:30 p.m. $15 cover.
Thirst DC is a unique opportunity for D.C.’s brightest minds to get together to share ideas. Founded by an intrepid group of nerds, thirst DC creates the perfect environment for DC’s nerdiest and sexiest that thirst for knowledge, a stiff drink, and some attractive company. Whether you work in politics or science, but really are passionate about fashion or food, all we ask is that our guests expect the topics to be a bit risque, and in return we ask that they be utterly fascinating.

Nerd Nite D.C. – Sat. 13 Feb @ 6:30 p.m. $10 cover.
Nerds not only study love, in all of its social, economic, biological, and psychological facets, but they need love too. At Nerd Nite this month, you can help them experience both. Come and listen to our nerds expound upon bird love, explain the economics of love, and elucidate you about the sex lives of fishes. And in the process, if you buy a drink for that cute nerd girl or guy standing next to you, we won’t blame you at all!

Needless to say, if you’re in D.C. this month and want to hear some great stories about science, you definitely have options!

-Shane M. Hanlon is an AGU Sharing Science Specialist