I suggest thinking of this list as a species of journalism.  Scan for topics of interest; when and if one is found, explore that interest first by looking at the abstract (if one is linked to the talk), the speaker's personal webpage, and the webpage of his laboratory or research group.  (Researchers often see these as their preferred medium of communication with the public and put a lot of work into them.)  If these do not exhaust your interest you might even consider attending the talk itself.  I do post lectures that have none of these resources and I sometimes include events of interest outside this focus -- such as Hackathons, DIY workshops, and events for young people.

The list can be accessed in two ways: as a website and a mailing list.  The website carries events for the next month (roughly).  I add to it several times a week.  The mailing list goes out once a week, usually Sunday nights, and carries events for the next eight days.  You can subscribe and/or unsubscribe by dropping a note to hapgood@pobox.com.   If you do not receive the list after subscribing that is probably because your mailer thinks the list is spam and is bouncing it.   If you can whitelist the list please do.   Adding http://bostonsciencelectures.com to your contacts list might work.  If all else fails I invite you to send me an alternate email or resort to the website.

Caveats: The list is not remotely comprehensive and selection criteria are subjective.  I tend to include events that offer a physical speaker and accommodate physical attendance, but unusually interesting webinars might slip in.  Continuing or ongoing events like exhibits or courses and meetups with no special focus are not well handled.  Activity falls considerably over the summer and winter holidays.  The list goes on vacation towards the ends of June and December.

In particular: This is a volatile landscape.  Many events are announced at the last minute.  (Some of these get posted to the website, but not many make the weekly mailing.)  Dates and locales and lecture topics change.  Errors are introduced at every stage of the process.   I correct those I find out about, but of course sometimes my error-checking introduces a new set of errors.   I strongly urge you to doublecheck the "Details" link before you head out, not that that guarantees anything.

Blue boxes represent all events advertised as child-friendly; yellow boxes, multi-day events.  I occasionally link to the site of the speaker's lab.  If you see an event that you think I should know about but is not on the website please let me know.  Ditto if you know of a site I ought to be monitoring but does not appear on my list of sources.

I would appreciate your mentioning this list to people with compatible interests.

-- Fred Hapgood
hapgood@pobox.com

Last update: 01.2025

Selected Groups, Clubs, Societies, & Meetups
Selected New England Museums
DIY-focused organizations & resources

Tuesday, April 2

8a.  "Applying the Power of the Mind to Manage Pain: Insights from Neuroimaging Research."   Jian Kong.   BWH:  Bornstein Family Amphitheater, 45 Francis Street.   Details, Abstract.

8:30-7p.  "Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science Symposium 2019."   AAAs:  Norton's Woods Conference Center.   Details, Abstract, Registration.   This event is at capacity. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please reserve a waitlist ticket.

11a.  "Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Choice, and Control."   Ben Hayden.   McLean Hospital:  de Marneffe 132.   Details.

Noon.  "Learning to Synthesize Images."   Jun-Yan Zhu.   MIT:  32-G449.   Details, Abstract.

12:30p.  "How to Improve Presidential Elections."   Eric Maskin.   Brandeis:  Gerstenzang 121.   Details.

1p.  "Health and the Built Environment: Looking to the Future."   Michael Brauer.   HSPH:  Rm 1302, Bldg 1, 677 Huntington Ave.   Details.

1p.  "Sustainability, Resilience and Transformation for the Urban Century."   Thomas Elmqvist.   GSD:  Room 111, 48 Quincy St.   Details.

2:30p.  "Life in Complex Fluids."   Paulo E. Arratia.   Penn Complex Fluids Lab.   MIT:  2-139.   Details, Abstract.

3p.  "Supercomputers, Physics, and Randomness: Rethinking Neutron Transport From the Ground Up."   John Tramm.   MIT:  4-163.   Details, Abstract.

4p.  "A Particulate Solution: Data Science in the Fight to Stop Air Pollution and Climate Change."   Francesca Dominici.   MIT:  E18-304.  Details, Abstract.

4p.  "Learning to Synthesize Images."   Jun-Yan Zhu.   MIT:  32-G449.  Details, Abstract.

4p.  "Mechanobiology: How Force and Stretch Shape Life."   Elise Morgan and Katya Ravid.   BU:  Photonics Colloquium Room.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

4p.  "Niche and Metabolic Regulation of Stem Cells in the Bone Marrow."   Sean Morrison.   MIT:  32-123.   Details, Abstract.

5:30p.  "What Autism Teaches Us About Identity."   Ron Suskind.   HGSE:  Longfellow Hall, 13 Appian Way.   Details, Abstract.

6-9p.  "Cambridge Public School’s Math Playbook."   MIT Museum:  265 Massachusetts Ave.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

6p.  "For the Love of Bugs! Where Have All the Insects Gone?"   A forum.   CiC Venture Cafe.One Broadway, Cambridge.   Details, Abstract, Tickets.

6p.  "Living with White Sharks."   Gregory Skomal.   Harvard:  Geological Lecture Hall.   Details, Abstract.

7p.  "Outsmarting OCD: Tips & Tricks From a Clinician in the Field."   Jayme Valdez.   McLean Hospital:  de Marneffe 132.   Details.

7p.  "The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity."   Amy Webb.   Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave.   Details, Abstract.

Wednesday, April 3

10:30a.  "Early Explorers."   Boston Nature Center:  500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

9-1p.  "Tufts Water Symposium: Visions of the Future."   Tufts:  Alumnae Lounge, Alumnae Hall, 40 Packard Ave.   Details, RSVP.

9:30a.  "Is it Worth it? Effort-Based Decision-Making and Motivational Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder."   Yuen Siang Ang.   McLean Hospital:  McLean Imaging Center, Second Floor Conference Room.   Details.

Noon.  "Digital Health @ Harvard: What Should Happen to Our Medical Records When We Die?"   Jon Cornwall.   HLS:  Wasserstein 2036.   Details, Abstract, Registration.   This is a brown bag event. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch.

Noon.  "Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo: latest update of the current outbreak."   Marta Lado.   HSPH:  641 Huntington Ave., 1st flr conference rm.   Details.   This event will be streamed.

Noon.  "Small Wars, Big Data: The Information Revolution in Modern Conflict."   Jacob Shapiro.   MIT:  E40-496.   Details, Abstract.

Noon.  "Solar Geoengineering Research Seminar."   Mike Hulme and Mark Lawrence.   HUCE Seminar Room 429, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge.   Details.   RSVP to acchang@seas.harvard.edu.   Lunch provided.

1p.  "Slow-Evolving Sites Negatively Impact Reconstruction of Deep Tree of Life Phylogenies."   Thibério Rangel.   MIT:  48-316.   Details.

4p.  "Genetic Models of Autism: Molecules to Potential Therapeutics."   Craig M. Powell.   MIT:  46-3002.   Details, Abstract.

4p.  "Making Deep Learning more Robust, Modular, and Efficient."   Zico Kolter.   MIT:  32-D463.   Details, Abstract.

6:30p.  "Editing Bioelectric Pattern Memories: Reprogramming the software of life for regenerative medicine."   Michael Levin.   ArtScience Culture Lab & Café, 650 East Kendall Street.   Details, Abstract, RSVP.

6:30p.  "Innovation and Technology Across Scales & Disciplines."   Geraldine Hamilton.   HGSD:  48 Quincy St., Rm 112.   Details.

7p.  "More than Just the Buzz: Finding Real Solutions to Native Pollinator Decline."   Robert Gegear.   Beecology.   Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway St.   Details, Abstract.

7p.  "The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds."   Gavin Van Horn.   Arnold Arboretum:  Hunnewell Bldg.   Details, Abstract, Register.

April 4-5.  "2019 MIT Energy Conference: Tough Tech & the 2040 Grid."   Boston Marriott Cambridge, 50 Broadway. Details, Abstract, Tickets.

April 4-5.  "MIT Clean Energy Prize."   Details.

April 4-5.  "MIT Energy Conference: Tough Tech & The 2040 Grid."   :    Details, Abstract, Register.

April 4-5.  "Touch This Page! A Symposium on Ability, Access, and the Archive."   Harvard and Northeastern.   Details, Abstract, Northeastern.

Thursday, April 4

9-3p.  "Human Tissue Ethics in Anatomy, Past and Present: From Bodies to Tissues to Data."   HMS:  Gordon Hall,Waterhouse Rm, 25 Shattuck St.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

9:30a.  "Cultivating Wildness Where You Are."   Gavin Van Horn.   Arnold Arboretum:  Bussey St. Gate.   Details.

10a.  "Learning to See the Physical World."   Jiajun Wu.   MIT:  46-3189.   Details, Abstract.

Noon.  "Deep Learning for Network Biomedicine."   Marinka Zitnik.   HMS:  Countway Library 403.   Details, Abstract.

Noon.  "The Impact of Burnout on Patient Care, Psychiatrists, and Psychiatry."   Steve Adelman.   McLean Hospital:  Service Bldg, Pierce Hall.   Details.

3p.  "An Investigation into the Biophysics of Human Birth."   Megan Leftwich.   Tufts:  Anderson 112.   Details.

4p.  "Enabling Novel Light Phenomena at the Subwavelength Scale."   Marin Soljacic.   MIT:  34-101.   Details, Abstract.   Refreshments @ 3:30 in 4-349.

4p.  "Engineering Biologically Active Sequence-defined Macromoleculer Therapeutics."   Christopher Alabi.   MIT:  32-155.   Details.

4p.  "How Noise and Uncertainty Impact Neural Systems and Behaviour."   Zachary Mainen.   Mainen Lab.   MIT:  46-3002.   Details, Abstract.

4p.  "What is a Gene?"   Gerald Fink.   MIT:  10-250.   Details, Abstract.

Friday, April 5

Noon.  "Water Availability Controls on Vegetated Ecosystems."   Daniel Gianotti.   MIT:  48-316.   Details, Abstract.

1:30p.  "Understanding Music Streaming Platforms."   Aparna Kumar.   Harvard:  Maxwell Dworkin G115.   Details.

1:45p.  "Paper-Based Electronics for Sanitization and Skin-Like Functionality."   Aaron Mazzeo.   Tufts:  Halligan 102.   Details.

3p.  "Bringing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing into the Digital Age."   Mauricio Futran.   MIT:  66-110.   Details, Abstract.

Saturday, April 6

7p.  "Bee Movie."   A Coolidge Corner Science on Screen event. Noah Wilson-Rich will discuss the science issues raised by the movie.   Details.

9a.  "What are Flowers? Form and Function through Dissection."   An Arboretum for Educators Event. nbsp; Arnold Arboretum:  Hunnewell Bldg.   Details.

7:30-4:30p.  "New England Science Symposium."   Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

11-6p.  "Nano Days with Quantum Leap."   Museum of Science.   Details, Abstract.

Monday, April 8

3:30p.  "Disk Spirals, Solids, and Sizes."   Joan Najita.   BU:  725 Commonwealth Ave., Room 502.  Details, Abstract.

5p.  "Ensuring Responsibility in the Age of AI and Big Data."   A panel discussion.   MIT:  Bartos Theater.   Details, Abstract, RSVP.

5p.  "Robots, Drones, and the Internet of Things: super cool technologies the utility of the future is using right now."   Carter Wall and Jacqueline Ashmore.   BU:  610 Commonwealth Ave, Conference Room 106C.   Details, Abstract.

5:30-6:45p.  "Towards Life 3.0 - Ethics and Technology in the 21st Century."   Steven Livingston.   HKS:  Wexner 102.   Details.   This event will be streamed.

7p.  "Blade Runner: The Final Cut."   A Coolidge Corner Science on Screen event.   Science journalist Wade Roush will discuss resonances with the actual year 2019 (the year in which the film was set.)  Coolidge Corner Theater:  290 Harvard St., Brookline.   Details, Abstract.

April 9-10.   "2019 MIT Information and Communication Technologies Conference."   Boston Marriott Conference, 50 Broadway.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

Tuesday, April 9

Noon.  "Nanomaterials and Light for Sustainability and Societal Impact."   Naomi J. Halas.   Halas Research Group.   MIT:  5-234.   Details.

1:30p.  "Neuroscience Across the Charles."   A symposium.   Merck Research Laboratories, 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

3:30p.  "Surmounting the Materials Roadblocks to Carbon Nanoelectronics, Water Separation, and Beyond."   Michael S. Arnold.   MIT:  6-104.   Details, Abstract.

4p.  "The Inclusive Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Drive to the Zero-Carbon Economy."   Nicholas Stern.   MIT:  2-190.   Details, Abstract.

6p.  "Self-Domestication in Bonobos and Other Wild Animals."   Richard Wrangham.   Harvard:  Geological Lecture Hall.   Details, Abstract.

Wednesday, April 10

9-5p.  "Boston Area Digital Scholarship Symposium."   Harvard:  Smith Campus Center.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

6p.  "Chasing Ants (And Their Microbes) in the Rainforest."   Corrie Moreau.   Harvard:  Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St.   Details, Abstract.   This event will be streamed.

7-8p.  "A Moon Conversation."   Sharon Harper and Yajui Ku.   Concord Art, 37 Lexington Rd., Concord.   Details, Abstract, Tickets.

7p.  "Garbage Numbers: Accounting for Solid Waste in the United States and Pathways to Sustainability."   Jonathan Krones.   Weston Observatory.   Details.

7p.  "Sounds of the Universe."   Presented byA Far Cry.   Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston.   Details, Abstract.

7p.  "What Children Can Teach Us About the Nature of Human Intelligence."   Harvard:  Pfizer Hall, 12 Oxford St.   Details.

April 11-12.  "Controlling Death: The policies, practices, and ethics of choosing when we die."   Harvard Medical School.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

Thursday, April 11

11a.  "Deciphering CAR T cells: Exploring functional mechanisms to drive next generation immunotherapy."   Stanley Riddell and Wendell Lim.   A webinar.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

Noon.  "The Evolution of Friendships and Homophily."   Matthew O. Jackson.   Northeastern University:  177 Huntington Ave., 11th flr.   Details, Abstract.

4p.  "Synthetic Human Embryo-like Structure: A New Paradigm for Human Embryology."   Jianping Fu.   MIT:  32-155.   Details.

8p.  "Testing Quantum Mechanics with Cosmic Photons on the Canary Islands."   Calvin Leung.   Astrophysical Observatory:  Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden St.   Details, Abstract.

Friday, April 12

Noon.  "Frontothalamic Interactions in Cognitive Control and Flexibility."   Michael Halassa.   Halassa Lab.   MIT:  46-6011.   Details, Abstract.

Saturday, April 13

10-4p.  "Grow a Meadow, Large or Small."   Kathy Connolly.   Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St, Watertown.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

12-4p.  "Robot Block Party."   The Waterfire Arts Center, 475 Valley St., Providence, RI.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

Wednesday, April 17

1p.  "Spatio-temporal Engineering of the Microbiome."   Abhishek Shrivastava.   MIT:  48-316.   Details.

4p.  "Look Me in the Eyes – or Not?"   Nouchine Hadjikhani.   MIT:  46-3002.   Details, Abstract.

6p.  "The American Land Museum: Places as Cultural Artifacts."   Matthew Coolidge.   Harvard Art Museums:  Menschel Hall, 32 Quincy St.   Details, Abstract.

6p.  "The Deadly Side of Cancer: How Cancer Spreads."   Robert Weinberg.   Whitehead Institute:  455 Main St., Cambridge.  Details, Abstract, Registration.

Thursday, April 18

3:30p.  "Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Afghanistan."   Gil Stein.   Harvard:  Tozzer 203.   Details.

6:30p.  "Papers to Policies: How Scientific Evidence Influences Government Action."   Aeronaut:  14 Tyler St., Somerville.   Details.

Monday, April 22

6-9p.  "Ideation 2019."   MIT:  32-123.   Details, Abstract, Registration.   Apply to pitch here by March 22nd at 11:59 PM.

Tuesday, April 23

Noon.  "Towards Versatile AI: Multi-task Learning and Generalization to New Tasks."   Stephan Zheng.   MIT:  32-D463  Details, Abstract, Registration.

7p.  "Transcending the Group Selection Controversy in Evolution, with Implications for the Human Condition."   David Sloan Wilson and Bret Weinstein.   MIT:  26-100.   Details, Abstract, Registration.   This event will be streamed.

Wednesday, April 24

6p.  "Sex Differences in Health and Disease."   David C. Page.   Page Lab.   Whitehead Institute:  455 Main St.   Details, Abstract, Registration.

7p.  "Photopharmacology: How a Light Can Help Improve Medication."   Harvard:  Pfizer Hall, 12 Oxford St.   Details.

April 26-29.  "City Nature Challenge."   Details.   More

Friday, April 26

8:30-4p.  "Sustainable Mobility and Access."   MIT's 11th Annual Sustainability Summit.   MIT:  Samberg Conference Center, 50 Memorial Drive.   Details.

*Admission to buildings in Harvard's medical area often requires ID issued by a "Harvard Medical School Affiliate".  A list of these institutions can be found here.  Persons interested in events in the medical area that are not explicitly public, do not invite registration, have sponsors with whom they have no experience, and who are unsure if their ID will guarantee access, might want to email the person cited in the details page and ask.  Inquiries directed at the HMS Dept of Genetics should be emailed to esexton@genetics.med.harvard.edu (or call 617-432- 7666) at least one day before the event.  Inquiries pertaining to events at Harvard's New Research Building should be directed to Karen Barry at kbarry6@partnes.org.  Events in the Longwood medical area that do not carry an asterisk have announced explicitly that they are open to the general public.

END