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, technology, and in limited cases DIY 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.   Inconsistencies abound.

Blue boxes represent events advertised as child-friendly; pink boxes, multi-day events.  Asterisks (*) mark websites that seem especially well done.

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

Email Website Last update: 31.1418 Archives Sources Other lists and sites Online Video

Selected Repeating Events: Exhibitions & Tours
Selected Groups, Clubs, Societies, & Meetups
Selected New England Museums

Events sponsored by Artisan's Asylum, Inc.
Opening sessions run from August 30 through September 12.

Theme Nights at Artisan's Asylum  
Introduction to Videogame Development   .
Intermediate Photography: Black & White  
Introduction to MIG Welding  
Manual Precision Metal Machining  
CNC Machining  
Introduction to TIG Welding
Fundamentals of Mechanical Design
Intermediate Sewing: Alteration
Intermediate Electronics: Circuit Design
Introduction to Sewing
Programming the Arduino
Fire Eating and Fleshing
Metalworking for Women
Introduction to Latex Clothing


August 31 - September 1.   "Physics Simulation."   A course in a proprietary product.   MicroTek, 25 Burlington Mall Rd, 2nd Floor, Burlington.   Details.   1 - 1

Wednesday, September 1

8a.   "7Solar Technologies."   Peter Vandermeulen, President and CEO.   CleanTech InnoVenture Center, 4th Flr, 20 Wheeler St, Lynn.   Details.   1

3:30 - 5:30p.   "Securing the Open Softphone."   A colloquium.   BU:  8 St. Mary's St, Rm 210.   Details & Abstract.   Flyer.   1

4p.   "The Wonders of Thin Sheets: from torn tape and sinking flowers to graphene ribbons and grabbing water."   Pedro Reis.   Elasticity, Geometry, & Statistics Lab.   Harvard:  Pierce 209.   Details & Abstract.   1

6p.   "Development of the Neurobiology and Behavior that Support Face Expression Processing."   Nim Tottenham.   RSVP requested.   MIT:  46-3002.   Details.   1

7 - 9p.   "International Penguin Conference."   New England Aquarium:  Simons IMAX Theater.   Details.   1

Thursday, September 2

8:15 - 3:15p.   "Personalized Medicine Summit."   Astra Zeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, MA.   Details.   2

11a.   "Unsupervised Multilingual Learning."   A thesis defense.   Benjamin Snyder.   MIT: Stata Center, Patil/Kiva Conf Rm (32-G449).   Details & Abstract.   2

4p.   "Emotional Intelligence Technology and Autism: progress and challenges."   Rosalind Picard.   Harvard:  Maxwell Dworkin G-125.   Details & Abstract.   2

7p.   New England Model Engineering Society.  Metal working and machining.   Charles River Museum of Industry, 154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA.   Details.   2

Friday, September 3

12:30p.   "'I think we are going to need a bigger boat.'  (Federating University Research Computing Assets)."   James Cuff.   MIT:  Stata Center (32) 124.   Details.  Abstract.   3

Monday, September 6

7p.   "The Man in the White Suit."   A Coolidge Corner Theater Science on Screen presentation.   Marc Abrahams and Daniel Rosenberg (blog) will comment on the issues raised.   Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St.   Details 7 abstract.   6

Tuesday, September 7

3 - 4:15p.   "Intelligent Sensor Interfaces."   Kofi M. Odane.   Tufts:  Halligan 111.   Details & Abstract.   7

4p.   "Scandal in Physics: the affair of Jan Hendrik Schön at Bell Labs."   Eugenie Samuel Reich.   Brandeis:  Abelson 131.   Details & Abstract.   7

5:30 - 7p.   "Types We Can Make: A Selection of Contemporary Swiss Type Design."   Opening reception of an exhibition of contemporary typography.   MIT Museum:  Compton Gallery, Bush Rm, Bldg 10, Rm 105.   Details.   7

7p.   "Science and Cooking: A Dialogue."   Harold McGee, Ferran Adria, and Jose Andres.   Loeb Drama Center.   Details & Abstract.   7

Wednesday, September 8

4p.   "Using the New Worlds Observer* to do Direct Imaging and Spectroscopy of Earth-like Planets."   Webster Cash.   BU:  Rm 502, 725 Commonwealth Ave.   Details.   8

Thursday, September 9

4p.   "The Neural Mechanisms of Speech: From Computational Modeling to Neural Prosthesis."   Frank Guenther.   Speech lab.   MIT:  Singleton Auditoirum (46-3002).   Details & Abstract.   9

6p.   "Age of Innovation: How Life Learned to Breathe."   Eric Alm.   Harvard Center for the Environment:    Details.   9

8p.   "Stellar Archaeology: New Science with Old Stars."   Anna Frebel.   :    Details & Abstract.   9

Monday, September 13

4p.   "Alternative Planet Formation Scenarios."   Robert L. Kurucz.   Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Pratt Conf Center, 60 Garden St.   Details & Abstract.   3

6 - 9p.   "Sensing Opportunities in Mobile Health."   A panel discussion.   MIT:  Stata Center, Rm 141, 32 Vassar St.   Registration required.   Details & Abstract.   3

7p.   "Sous-vide Cooking: a State of Matter."   Joan Roca.   Harvard Science Center D.   Details.   3

7p.   Gus Bigos of Evergreen Innovation Partners.   A meeting of the Inventors' Association of New England.   MIT:  4-231.   Details.   3

Tuesday, September 14

12:15p.   "Stem Cells and the Origin of Prostate Cancer."   Michael Shen.   Harvard:  Northwest Bldg, B103 Amphitheater, 52 Oxford St.   Flyer.   Details.   4

4p.   "Chiral Self-Assembly."   Zvonimir Dogic.   Brandeis:  Abelseon 131.   Details.   4

6:30p.   "Language and Cognition."   Leonid I. Perlovsky.   Olin College:  Milkas Hall, Auditorium.   Details & Abstract.   4

Wednesday, September 15

6:30 - 8p.   "Mass Innovation Night."   A networking, presentation, & demo event.   RSVP requested.   Microsoft New England Research and Development Center, One Memorial Dr.   Details.   5

Thursday, September 16

4p.   "The Development of the First Digital Camera."   Steve Sasson.   Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Phillips Auditorium, Bldg D, 60 Garden St.   Details.   Abstract.   6

6:30 - 8p.   "Extreme Measures in End-of-Life Care for Pets."   A panel discussion.   Suffolk University, C. Walsh Theatre.   Details.   6

6:30 - 9p.   "The Evolution of Social Networking Media."   Nathan Felde.   National Grid, 40 Sylvan Way, Waltham.   Details & Abstract.   6

7p.   "Applying Computational & Synthetic Biology to Preventing Disease & Creating New Materials."   George Church.   MIT:  Broad Institute Auditorium (NE-30).   Details & Abstract.   6

7p.   Gwynne Dyer will read from and discuss his latest book: Climate Wars.   Amazon.   Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave.   Details & Abstract.   6

7p.   "Electrophoretic ePaper Display Technology and Applications."   Michael D. McCreary, VP, Research and Advanced Development, E Ink Corp.   IT Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, MA.   Details & Abstract.   6

7:30p.   "Beyond UFOs: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and its Astonishing Implications for our Future."   Jeffrey Bennett.   An Observatory Night lecture: observing from the observatory roof if weather permits.   Note: these events are very popular.   Come early.   Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics:  Phillips Auditorium, 60 Garden St.  Details & Abstract.   6

Friday, September 17

3p.   Shing-Tung Yau and Steve Nadis will read from and discuss The Shape of Inner Space: String Theory and the Geometry of the Universe’s Hidden Dimensions.   Amazon.   Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave.   Details & Abstract.   7

3p.   "Exploring Hollywood's Tools for Biovisualization."   Gael McGill.   Wyss Institute, Room 521, Center for Life Science, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston.   Details & Abstract.   7

5:15 - 6:30p.   "Plant Tour - Instron Corp."   Jim Ritchey, Director, Medical Device & Biomaterials.   Presentation Slides.   Instron Corp, 825 University Ave, Norwood.   Details & Abstract.   7

Saturday, September 18

Midnight.   "Naked Girls Reading Science Fiction."   Featuring the Boston Baby Dolls.   Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St.   Details & Abstract.   8

Sunday, September 19

9 - 2p.   "Flea at MIT."   MIT:  Albany and Main.   Details.   9

Monday, September 20

Noon.   "Search for Planets in Eclipsing Binary Systems."   Aviv Ofir.   Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics:  Pratt Conf Rm, 60 Garden St.   Details.   0

3 - 6p.   "Directions in Laboratory Informatics."   A panel discussion.   Sponsoring organization.   Millipore Research and Development, 80 Ashby Rd, Bedford.   Registration required.   Details.   0

6:30 - 8p.   Kevin Davies will read from and discuss his most recent book: The $1000 Genome.   Amazon.   A Boston Biotech Meetup.   Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, One Cambridge Center.   Details.   0

7p.   "Brain Candy: how desserts slow the passage of time."   Bill Yosses, White House Pastry Chef.   Harvard:  Science Center D.   Details.   0


September 21 - 23.   "EmTech@MIT2010."   MIT:    Details.   1 - 3

Tuesday, September 21

3 - 4:15p.   "Engineering the Blackbody with Metamaterials."   Willie Padilla.   Padilla lab.   Tufts:  Halligan 111.   Details & Abstract.   1

4p.   "Is Evolution Reversible?"   Jeff Gore.   Brandeis:  Abelseon 131.   Details.   1

6 - 8p.   "Tech Tuesday -- Digital Games."   A demo and networking event.   Microsoft New England Research and Development Center, One Memorial Dr.   Details.   1

6:30p.   "Distributed Generation."   James Cleary, Lead Senior Engineer, National Grid USA.   Olin College, Milas Hall Auditorium.   Details & Abstract.   1

Wednesday, September 22

6:30p.   "Cloud Computing."   Matt Jonson, Chief Technologist, Architectures and Verticals, Cisco.   Foley Hoag LLP, Emerging Enterprise Center, Bay Colony Corporate Center, 1000 Winter St, Suite 4000, North Entrance, Waltham.   Details & Abstract.   2

6:30p.   William Gibson will read from and discuss his latest book: Zero History.   Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Brookline.   Details.   2

7p.   "Evidence-based Medicine: a case study of vaccines and autism."   TBA.   HMS:  Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave.   Details.   2

7p.   "Running Out of Water."   Susan Leal.   Harvard Coop, Level 3.   Details.   2

Thursday, September 23

7:30p.   "Blowouts and the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry."   Jim LaGrone, P.E., Well Control Engineering Manager, Boots & Coots Services, Houston.   Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge.   Details.   Abstract.   3

4 - 6p.   ""Intelligence and How to Get It: why schools and culture count."   Richard Nisbett.   Background reading.   BU:  School of Education, 2 Silber Way, SED 130.   Details.   3

4 - 6p.   "The Earth’s Energy Draws from the Sun; Is there Good News from Solar-In, Solar-Out?"   Daniel Nocera.   Nocera lab.   MIT:  E19-623.   Details.   3

Friday, September 24

3p.   Rebecca M. Jordan-Young will read from and discuss Brain Storm: The Flaws in the Science of Sex Differences.   Amazon.   Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave.   Details & Abstract.   4

Saturday, September 25

3 - 5p.   "Lessons from Haiti: tackling acute and chronic disasters."   Harvard:  Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy St.   Tickets required.   Details.   5

Monday, September 27

6p.   Jerome Groopman will read from and discuss The Best American Science Writing 2010.   Amazon.   Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave.   Details & Abstract.   7

Tuesday, September 28

8a - 1:15p.   "Access to Government Records in Massachusetts: Issues and Trends."   Registration required.   Suffolk Law: Rappaport Center, 120 Tremont St, Faculty Meeting Rm, 4th flr.   Details.   8

5:30p.   "Terahertz Technology: space and earth applications."   Peter de Maagt.   Lincoln Laboratory A-Café, 244 Wood Street, Lexington.   Details & Abstract.   8

7p.   Charles Yu will read from and discuss his most recent book: How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe.   Background reading.   Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., Brookline.   Details.   8

7p.   "Dark Matter in the Universe."   Peter Fisher.   Belmont Public Library:  336 Concord Ave, Belmont.   Details & Abstract.   8

Wednesday, September 29

4 - 5:15p.   "ARPA-E: addressing the Sputniks of our generation."   Arun Majumdar, Director, ARPA-E Advanced Projects Research Agency.   BU:  Photonics Center 206, 8 St. Mary's St.   Registration required.   Details & Abstract.   9

6p.   "Persuasion in a Climate of Uncertainty."   A panel discussion.   Harvard Museum of Natural History:  Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St.  Details.   9

7p.   "Bots That Mimic Bugs: Flying, Crawling, and Squishy Robots."   TBA.   HMS:  Armenise Ampitheatre, 200 Longwood Ave.   Details.   9

Thursday, September 30

4p.   "Planets Not Our Own."   Josh Winn.   MIT:  E19-623.   Details.   0

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