wsfdisclaimerTomorrow’s economy will be defined by science, technology, engineering and math. Join Christal Sheppard, regional director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and Erik Iverson, managing director of WARF, as they make the case for stronger public engagement.

“Beyond Broader Impacts: How and why STEM engagement is part of the cycle of innovation” will be held Thurs., Oct. 20 at the Discovery Building from 4-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by an informal reception at Union South Gallery 1308.

The gallery is featuring a selection of vintage and contemporary patent drawings of UW–Madison inventions. The Artistry of Innovation: WARF Patent Drawings through Time runs until Nov. 14 and is being presented by the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD).

The night’s discussion dovetails a growing initiative by the Patent Office to “tap into the passion and creativity that all children have.” It is a special Wisconsin Science Festival edition of the WARF Essential Topics Series.

Register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18.