Science & Entertainment Exchange

Science & Entertainment Exchange. A program of the National Academy of Sciences, it connects entertainment industry professionals with scientists and engineers to foster the accurate and engaging portrayal of science in popular media. Established to bridge the cultural gap between Hollywood and the scientific community, it operates as a free resource for creators developing film, television, video game, and other narrative content. Its work aims to enhance storytelling by grounding fictional scenarios in credible science, thereby increasing public engagement with scientific concepts.

Overview

The program functions as a matchmaking service, maintaining a vast, curated database of experts from diverse fields including astrophysics, neuroscience, genetics, and mechanical engineering. When a production company like Marvel Studios or a showrunner for a series such as *Bones* seeks consultation, staff facilitate introductions to relevant scientists from institutions like MIT or Caltech. These collaborations range from brief phone calls to long-term partnerships, influencing projects from major blockbuster films to acclaimed PBS documentaries. By embedding scientific rigor into entertainment, it strives to combat misinformation and inspire future generations, much like the educational mission of the Smithsonian Institution.

History and founding

The initiative was launched in November 2008 under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, with significant early support from the National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. Its creation was driven by a recognition of the powerful influence media like *Jurassic Park* and *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* had on public perception of science. Key founding figures included Ralph J. Cicerone, then president of the National Academy of Sciences, and entertainment industry leaders who had previously collaborated with scientists on projects like *Contact*. The program's establishment in Los Angeles was strategic, placing its staff in direct proximity to the major studios and networks of Hollywood.

Mission and activities

Its core mission is to use the persuasive power of storytelling to improve the public's relationship with science. Primary activities include hosting networking events, such as panel discussions at the San Diego Comic-Con, and organizing informal mixers where writers from shows like *The Big Bang Theory* can meet researchers. A signature program is the "Science Speed Dating" event, which facilitates rapid connections between creators and scientists. Staff also coordinate extended "embedded scientist" arrangements, where an expert might spend time on the set of a film like *The Martian* to advise on procedural accuracy. These efforts extend to emerging media, consulting on the narrative design of video games developed by companies like Naughty Dog.

Impact and notable projects

The program's influence is evident across a wide spectrum of notable entertainment. It connected NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists with the production team of *Gravity*, contributing to the film's acclaimed depiction of orbital mechanics. Experts consulted on the medical and virological details for films such as *Contagion* and the HBO series *The Last of Us*. In television, it has provided advisors for series including *Numb3rs*, *House*, and *Westworld*, impacting how mathematical modeling, diagnostic medicine, and artificial intelligence are portrayed. These collaborations often receive recognition at events like the SETI Institute's awards, highlighting the synergy between accurate science and compelling drama.

Organization and partnerships

It is administered by the National Academy of Sciences through its Science and Society division, with day-to-day operations managed by a small staff in Los Angeles. The program does not conduct its own research but leverages the vast networks of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Key partnerships include formal agreements with major studios like Universal Pictures and Warner Bros., as well as ongoing relationships with guilds such as the Writers Guild of America, West. It also collaborates with scientific institutions, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, to identify expert consultants for specialized projects across the entertainment industry. Category:Science outreach organizations Category:Entertainment industry organizations Category:Organizations based in Los Angeles