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Articles on 2017 Year in Review

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Social researcher Hugh Mackay and The Conversation’s FactCheck Editor Lucinda Beaman.

Speaking with: social researcher and author Hugh Mackay on 2017, ‘a really disturbing year’

Speaking with: Hugh Mackay on 2017, ‘a really disturbing year’ CC BY-ND81.5 MB (download)
Author and social researcher Hugh Mackay says fragmentation was among the key themes of 2017 – but he has some concrete suggestions on how we can do better in 2018.
Richard Thaler, laureate in economics, receives his Nobel in Stockholm in December. TT News Agency/Jonas Ekstromer via Reuters

Behavioral economics finally goes mainstream: 4 essential reads

After two Nobel prize wins for behavioral economists, the burgeoning field has demonstrated its importance in shaping effective economic and government policy.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands during a service at the International Church of Las Vegas in Las Vegas in Oct. 2016. AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

How the religious right shaped American politics: 6 essential reads

Trump embraced evangelicals in his first year as president. Here, scholars provide historical context to how the religious right has shaped American politics over the past decades.
To mark its 30th anniversary in business, the national PetSmart chain is donating enough food to serve animals in need an estimated 60 million meals. Sandy Huffaker/AP Images for PetSmart

Giving and fundraising: 4 essential reads

Ever wondered which fundraising appeals work best or what kind of charitable donations are ideal after disasters strike?
After two earthquakes killed hundreds in Mexico within weeks in September, #Fuerza Mexico — Strength, Mexico — became a international rallying cry. Gannett Riquelme/Reuters

Why 2017 was so terrible for Mexico: 8 essential reads

Three runaway governors. Two deadly earthquakes. One Donald J. Trump. Here’s why the past year hasn’t been the kindest to Mexico.
Even pocket parks in cities (Duane Park in Lower Manhattan, pictured here) can shelter wildlife. Read below for ideas about urban biodiversity and other green innovations. Aude

Creating a sustainable future: 5 essential reads

Trump administration rollbacks dominated news about the environment in 2017 – but beyond Washington D.C., many researchers are developing innovative visions for a greener future.
Protest against Trump’s travel ban in Los Angeles, Jan. 29, 2017. AP Photo/Ryan Kang

Migration mayhem in 2017: 9 essential reads

A look back at how one of the most divisive issues of the Trump campaign played out during the first year of his presidency.
AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

Inside Venezuela’s crisis: 7 essential reads

How to understand the economic, political and humanitarian crisis that has brought a South American nation to its knees.
At some point, it stopped being all fun and games. lassedesignen/Shutterstock.com

A grim year for the smartphone: 5 essential reads

With studies from the past year exploring the relationship between smartphone use and mental health, sleep, learning and romance, a more nuanced portrait of the device has emerged.
Happy holidays, and thanks to all our readers in 2017. Marcella Cheng/The Conversation

What you loved in Science and Technology 2017

The year is up, the numbers are in and we’re about to go on summer holidays. Here’s a snapshot of the Science and Technology articles you enjoyed the most in 2017, month by month.

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