Dr. John Cohen has been taking time out of his working schedule to teach people medicine and science for 20 years.
Now the American Association for the Advancement of Science is giving him the 2010 Award for Public Understanding of Science & Technology for helping the public better understand science.
Cohen, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, started a series of free lectures on health and science called the Mini Med School, 22 years ago.
Since then, more than 17,000 people from children to senior citizens, have completed the lecture series.
“I want to make them all more confident so they can feel empowered to talk to their doctor and say I can understand what you’re saying,” Cohen said.
Cohen also started Cafe Scientifique where the public is invited to mingle with a guest scientist at a local pub.
“I’m trying to make science more accessible and friendly,” Cohen said. “I really think science is important in the modern world, but it has gotten so advanced some of us are afraid of it sometimes.”
Cohen plans to use the $5,000 that comes with the award, to continue to fund the Cafe Scientifique meetings that he has been paying for out of his pocket.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
