Each year we meet to promote the integration of human factors into space age research and policy, emphasize the interaction of the Arts and Sciences and their technologies, and develop ethical approaches in cross-cultural contact, whenever and wherever it occurs. CONTACT is very proud of our guests - in the sciences, science fiction and the arts - who have devoted their time and energy to our organization and its commitment to a better future. CONTACT welcomes all professionals, students and enthusiasts. We have developed and piloted several role-playing simulations for the general public. Come and be part of our next annual gathering in an informal and synergistic atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for interaction. To look over the programs, papers and participants of previous CONTACT conferences, see below.What Happens At Contact?Symposia: Interdisciplinary forums in which professional scientists, writers and artists present scholarly papers for publication and for discussion with the audience.The Bateson Project: A seminar of invited experts addresses a selected topic of academic and public interest relating to our future on earth or in space. Cultures Of The Imagination: An experiment in creation - participants design an integrated world, alien life form and culture, and simulate contact with a future human society. Workshops: Educational mini-courses directed by professionals provide theoretical background and "hands-on" experience in world construction, bioform design, culture building, and inter-cultural contact, and many other topics related the the future. The Ames Seminars: Originally, the first day's program of each conference at NASA Ames presents a unique opportunity to hear leading-edge scholars discuss major issues in science. Everyone's A Participant!When we put on the first CONTACT in 1983, my goal was to create a unique forum about the future which I hoped would earn a respected place in that future. In the years since we began this adventure, we have come a long way toward realizing that goal.Our growing reputation for providing a forum for creative speculation has attracted first-rate scholars from academia and the space agencies, enhancing our scientific credibility; our commitment to recognizing the valuable contributions of science fiction writers has produced many projects demonstrating our principle of science as a guide to the imagination; and our consistent reliance on art and artists has offered an exciting and vital context for envisioning the future. We have also seen our work presented at scientific meetings, published in professional journals, featured in the national media and nonfiction books and developed into nationally-recognized educational curricula. And it's fun! Our goal is to maximize interaction and watch the sparks fly. So come and join us for three days of hand work and hard play. Jim Funaro For programs, papers and participants in recent CONTACT conferences, press...
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