.
Selected Lectures on Science and Engineering
in the Boston Area
Both these URLs point to the correct files:
http://www.BostonScienceLectures.com
http://www.BostonScienceandEngineeringLectures.com
Boston supports a pretty impressive culture of
lectures and lecture-like events (conferences, unconferences,
panel discussions, debates, symposia, festschrifts, workshops, poster
sessions, mini-courses, roundtables, exhibitions, tech jams, demos,
tours, meetups, etc.). This list filters out a selection
intended to be of interest to science and technology buffs. The idea
is both to advertise specific events and convey a general sense of
where science and engineering is right now -- what the people doing
the work are talking about. However, please note that this list
is no sense comprehensive, and selection criteria are entirely
subjective.
Blue boxes represent events advertised as child-friendly; pink boxes,
multi-day events; the digit(s) at the very end of each item can be ignored.
There are two routes to this list. The first you see before you.
You can also subscribe to a weekly schedule. Do note that this landscape is
highly volatile: Important lectures appear and important
details change at the last minute. Plus I make the occasional
error. All in all I strongly urge you to doublecheck the
"Details" link before you head out.
Please let me know if I ought to be monitoring somebody not on this list.
I would appreciate your informing people with compatible interests about this list.
-- Fred Hapgood
| Website | Last update: 07.1402 | Archives | Sources | Other lists and sites | Online Video |
Selected Repeating Events: Exhibitions & Tours
Selected Groups, Clubs, Societies, & Meetups
Selected New England Museums
Experimental Subject Volunteering Opportunities:
Harvard
Tufts
Centerwatch
January 29 - February 19. "I...YOU...WE...ROBOT!" An exhibition of art inspired by robots and robotics. Select images. Space 242, E. Berkeley St, 2nd flr, Boston. Details. 9
February 8 - 14. "New England Electronic Music Festival." Details. 8
Monday, February 8
12:15p. "Using Stem Cells and Reprogramming to Study Neural Degeneration: Case Studies in ALS." Kevin Eggan. Kevin Eggan Lab. Background reading. HMS: Bldg C, Cannon. Details. 8
12:30p. "Signaling Theory and the Evolution of Religion." Richard Sosis. Background reading. Webcast details. Podcast details. RSVP required for those attending in person. Harvard Law School: Berkman Center for the Internet and Society, 23 Everett S., 2nd Flr. Details & Abstract. 8
3p. "Modular Robots and their Control." Kasper Stoy, USD Modular Robotics Research Lab. Harvard: Maxwell-Dworkin, G-125, 33 Oxford St. Details & Abstract. 8
3:30 - 5:30p. "Molecular Biology of Memory Storage and the Biological Basis of Individuality." Eric Kandel. Harvard: Science Center D. Details & Abstract. 8
4p. "Discovery and Characterization of Transiting Extrasolar Planets." Peter McCullough. BU: 725 Commonwealth Avenue, CAS 502. Details. 8
5 - 6:30p. "Saving Lives on the Cheap: Today & Tomorrow with Bioengineering." Catherine Klapperich. BU: 725 Commonwealth Ave (CAS 313). Details. 8
6p. "When Countries Collide Online." Cliff Stoll and Jonathan Zittrain. Webcast details. Podcast details. RSVP required for physical attendence. Harvard Law School: John Chipman Gray Rm, 2nd flr, Pound Hall. Details & Abstract. 8
6 - 9p. "Healthcare 2.0: Inventing the Healthcare System of the Future - New Trends in Nursing." Swissnex Boston, 420 Broadway, Cambridge. Details. 8
7p. "Fight Club." A Coolidge Corner Theatre Science on Screen presentation. Illustrative talk by Richard Wrangham. Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St. Details. 8
7 - 9:30p. "Launching a Better Watering Can." Jim Ugone. Background reading. MIT: 4-231, 77 Mass Ave. Details. 8
Tuesday, February 9
Noon. "The Probabilistic Language of Thought." Noah Goodman. MIT: 46-3310. Details N/A. 9
Noon. "Engineering Sustainable Electricity Services: The Key Role of Systems Thinking and Automation." Marija Ilic. MIT: E40-298. Details & Abstract. 9
12:30p. "Beyond Online/offline: Information Access, Public Spaces, and the Boundaries of Visibility for Queer Youth in the Rural US." A Berkman Luncheon. Mary L. Gray. Webcast details. Podcast details. RSVP required for lunch. Harvard Law School: Berkman Center for the Internet and Society, 23 Everett St., 2nd. Flr. Details & Abstract. 9
3:30p. "Expectations from the LHC." Lisa Randall. BU: Metcalf Science Center, 590 Commonwealth Ave (SCI 107 - Auditorium). Details. 9
4 - 5:30p. "Visualizing Human-Machine Networks in Real-Time Technical Operations." David A. Mindell. MIT: 5 Cambridge Center (NE25 - 746), McClintock Rm. Details. 9
4 - 5:30p. Christos Papadimitriou, co-author of (and character in) the graphic novel Logicomix will discuss the relation of logic to computation. Microsoft New England Research & Development Lab, One Memorial Drive. Details. 9
4p. "Sustainable Accessibility: A Grand Challenge of Transportation for the World – and MIT." John Sterman. MIT: 3-270. Details. 9
6 - 7:30p. "Ethics and Medicine." A panel discussion. MIT: 1-190. Details. 9
6:30p. "Development of an Intelligent Ground Vehicle." Chris Gamache and Viktoras Truchanovicius. AGV lab. A tour of the WPI Robotics Engineering Laboratory will follow the talk. Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Atwater Kent Labs, Rm 116. Details & Abstract. 9
6:30p. "From eBooks to Learning Books." Boris Goldowsky & Lisa Spitz. Microsoft New England Research & Development Center, One Memorial Drive, Cambridge. Details 7 Abstract. 9
7p. Shankar Vendantam will read from and discuss his latest book The Hidden Brain. Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave. Details & Abstract. 9
7p. "Is MIDI Dead?" A panel discussion. Boston College: Walsh Hall, Walsh Function Rm. Details. 9
7p. "Using Geographic Information Systems for Disaster Relief." Jeff Blossom and Lex Berman. Redline restaurant, Harvard Sq, 59 JFK St. Details. 9
7:30p. "Plagues and Pupae: Using Honey Bees to Model Disease Spread in Natural Populations." Phillip T.B. Starks. Harvard: Museum of Comparative Zoology, Rm 101, 26 Oxford St. Details. 9
Wednesday, February 10
4p. "Flight of the Fruit Fly." Itai Cohen. Complex Matter Physics Lab. Harvard: Pierce Hall 209. Details & Abstract. 0
4p. "Epilepsy as a Plasticity (epigenetic?) Machine." Christophe Bernard, Director of Research, INSERM UMR 751. Broad Institute: 7 Cambridge Center, Conf. Rm - Mezzanine Level. Details. 0
4p. "Cognitive Radio: Enabling Agility in Modern Wireless Communication Systems." Alexander Wyglinski. Wireless Innovation Laboratory. BU: Photonics Center 211, 8 St. Mary's St. Details & Abstract. o
4 - 5:15p. "Enabling a Clean Energy Future." Melanie A. Kenderdine. Registration required. BU: Photonics Center 206, 8 St. Mary's St. Details & Abstract. 0
4 - 6p. "Minds May be Computers but…." Peter Kugel. BU: Rm 525, 745 Commonwealth Ave. Details. Abstract. 0
4p. "Genes and the Human Story." Lawrence Wangh. Preregistration required. Please indicate citizenship. MIT: Lincoln Lab, Wood St. Gate. Details & Abstract. 0
6p. "Solar Power Satellites." Geoffrey Landis. MIT: 4-163. Details. 0
6p. "A Massachusetts Innovation Night." IBM Innovation Center, 404 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA. Details. 0
7p. "Visionary Visuals." Doug Roble. Museum of Science, Cahners Theater. Details. 0
7p. Panel discussion of This Will Change Everything: Ideas That Will Shape the Future. It appears that panelists will include John Brockman, editor of the work, and contributors Dimitar Sasselov, Irene Pepperberg, Neil Gershenfeld, Frank Wilczek, Seth Lloyd & Sherry Turkle. A booksigning will follow. Harvard Coop, 3rd level. More on the book. Details. 0
7p. Rebecca Skloot will read from and discuss her latest book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Harvard Book Store, 1256 Commonwealth Ave. Details & Events. 0
7p. Atul Gawande will read and from discuss his latest book: The Checklist Manifesto. Harvard: Fong Auditorium, Boylston Hall, Harvard Yard. Details. 0
Thursday, February 11
3 - 4:15p. "Optimization of Concentrated Solar Power." Alexander Mitsos. Mitsos Lab. Tufts: Anderson Hall, Nelson Auditorium. Details. 1
4p.
"Images and Spectra of an Extrasolar Planetary System."
Bruce Macintosh.
4p. "(Machine) Learning on the Web." Fernando Pereira. Harvard: Maxwell Dworkin Bldg, G-125. Details & Abstract. 1
4p. "Disruption of Navigation and Communication Systems by Space Weather." Pat Doherty. BU: Photonics Bldg 339. 8 St. Mary's. Details. 1
4:10 - 6p. "Securing the Pseudo-commons: International Issues for Cybersecurity." James Lewis. MIT: Stata Center (32) G449. Details. 1
4:15p. "What is Space?" Frank Wilczek. MIT: 10-250. Details. 1
6p. "Where Our Food Comes From: The Origins of Agriculture." Bruce Smith. Harvard: Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St. Details & Abstract. 1
Friday, February 12
Noon. "Patent Policy and Innovation." Panel discussion. Sponsored by the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics. HLS: Pound Hall, Room 213. Details & Abstract. 2
1p. "From Turn-taking to Social Ties." Karrie Karahalios. MIT: Stata Center, Kiva Conf Rm (32 - G449). Details. 2
2p. "Neurologists Listening to Neurons: Intracortically-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces." Leigh Hochberg . BU: Auditorium, Rm B02, 677 Beacon St. Details. 2
3p. "Research at Google." Alfred Spector, VP of Research, Google. MIT: Stata Center 401 (Grier Room). Details. 2
5:30 - 7:30p. "Darwin Day." The MIT Museum celebrates the 201st anniversary of Darwin's birth. There will be a presentation on evolution in biomedical research and readings from From Orchids To Octopi: An Evolutionary Love Story, an upcoming production by Catalyst Collaborative@MIT, among other events. Details. 2
February 15 - 19. The MIT Museum celebrates National Engineers Week. Demos and workshops on robotics. Ages 10 and up. MIT Museum, 265 Mass. Ave. Details & Abstract. 5
February 16 - 19. Harvard Museum of Natural History celebrates February Science Week. Classes on various subjects for elementary level students. Details & Abstract. 6
Tuesday, February 16
12:30p. "Meme-tracking and the Dynamics of the News Cycle." A Berkman Luncheon. Jure Leskovec. Background link. Webcast details. Podcast details. RSVP required for those attending in person. Harvard Law School: Berkman Center for the Internet and Society, 23 Everett St, 2nd Flr. Details & Abstract. 6
4p. "Technologies for the Reading, Writing and Arithmetic of Omes." George Church. MIT: Kirsch Auditorium, Stata Center 123. Details. 6
Tuesday, February 16, 7:00 PM - Tuesday, March 09, 9:00 AM. "Introduction to Welding." A four week class. Willoughby and Baltic Studio, 13 Joy St, Somerville. Details. 6
Wednesday, February 17
4p. "The Fast Track to Finding a Habitable Exoplanet." David Charbonneau. Harvard: Biological Laboratories Lecture Hall, 16 Divinity Ave., Rm. 1068. Details. 7
Thursday, February 18
4p. "How Zooplankton Find and Capture Prey." Thomas Kiorboe. Harvard: Main Lecture Hall, BioLabs Bldg. Details. 8
7:30p. "Putting the Pedal to the Metal: The Mystery of the Accelerating Universe." Robert Kirshner. An Observatory Night lecture: observing from the observatory roof if weather permits. Note that these events are very popular. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden St. Details & Abstract. 8
Friday, February 19
6 -9p. "Collision 15." Collision Collective. Axiom Gallery, 141 Green St. Details. 9
7p. Artist talk for the I...YOU...WE...ROBOTS! show at Space 242, 242 E. Berkeley St. Boston. Select images. Details. 9
February 20 - 21, Noon. "Boston Indies Game Jam." Microsoft NERD Center, 1 Memorial Dr. Details. 0
Saturday, February 20
10 - 4p. "14th Annual Model Engineering Show." Charles River Musuem of Industry, Waltham. Details. 0
Sunday, February 21
2p. "Hear the Wild Things: The Science of Animal Communication." A HMNH Family Program/ Zarin Machanda. Background reading. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St. Details & Abstract. 1
Monday, February 22
Noon. "Neurobiology of Narcolepsy: What Sleepy Mice can Teach Us about Sleepy People." Tom Scammell. Harvard: Center for Brain Science, Northwest Bldg 243, 52 Oxford St, Cambridge. Details. 2
5:30 - 7p. "Finding Green Energy: High Efficiency Power Production from Fossil Fuels with Carbon Capture." Thomas Adams. Background reading. Lincoln Laboratory Cafeteria, 244 Wood Street, Lexington. Details. 2
5:30p. "Minds for Sale." Jonathan Zittrain. Webcast details. Podcast details. registration required for physical presence. Harvard Law School: Austin East Classroom, Austin Hall. Details & Abstract. 0
Tuesday, February 23
12:30p. "The Augmented Museum." A Berkman Luncheon. Jeffrey Schnapp. Webcast details. Podcast details. RSVP required for lunch. Harvard Law School: Berkman Center for the Internet and Society, 23 Everett St, 2nd Flr. Details & Abstract. 3
6p. "From Cooking Food to Cooking the Planet: Growing Constraints to Food Production." Samuel S. Myers. Harvard: Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St. Details & Abstract. 3
6p. "Ultra-High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells Using Low Cost Nanotechnology." Marcie Black, Bandgap Engineering. Analog Devices, Bldg 6, 804 Woburn St, Wilmington. Details & Abstract. 3
Thursday, February 25
4p. "Market Madness: Implementing a 9.2 Quintillion Outcome Prediction Market ." David Pennock. Harvard: Maxwell Dworkin G-115. Details & abstract. 5
4p. "Climate Change: Integrating Science, Economics, Technology and Policy." Ron Prinn. BU: Rm 502, Center for Space Physics, 705-725 Commonwealth Ave. Details. 5
6p. "Wireside Chat with Lawrence Lessig: Fair Use, Politics, and Online Video." Webcast details. Podcast details. registration required for physical presence. Harvard Law School: Austin North Classroom, Austin Hall. Details & Abstract. 5
Friday, February 26
Noon. "Shifting the Mind's Eye." John Assad. MIT: 46-3002 (Singleton Auditorium). Details. 6
Wednesday, March 3
6 - 7:30p. "Not So Elementary: The Doctor as Detective." HMS: Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, New Research Bldg, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur. Details & Abstract. 3
6:30 - 9:30p. "Ignite Boston 7." Microsoft New England R&D Center, One Memorial Drive. Details. 3
March 5 - 6. "The 2010 MIT Energy Conference." Boston Sheraton Hotel, 39 Dalton St, Boston. Details. 5
Saturday, March 6
9 - 5p. "Earth Rocks!" A family festival of geology and related sciences. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St. Details. 6
Wednesday, March 10
7p. "How to Make (Almost) Anything." Neil Gershenfeld. Center for Bits and Atoms. Museum of Science, Cahners Theater. Details & Abstract. 0
Thursday, Wednesday, March 11
5:30p. "An Ocean of Air." Jessica Green. Green Lab. Harvard Center for the Environment. Details. 1
END
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