NPR Science Correspondent Joe Palca Shares Insights from Scientific Innovators in Smithsonian Associates Lecture Series

The Smithsonian Associates presents a five-session lecture series with NPR science correspondent, Joe Palca, Tuesday evenings, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17 and March 17. Palca has gathered a group of scientists—including two Nobel Laureates—to join him for a series that offers insights into what scientists do and why it is important. Lectures will take place at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Scientists do some of the most exciting and creative work imaginable, but for many, that work can often seem abstract and hard to grasp. Palca’s informal conversations will reveal dynamic fields filled with innovation, passion and promise that are worlds away from coolly clinical, lab-coated stereotypes. Participants will come away from these entertaining and accessible sessions with plenty of new information and a deeper confidence in their ability to make the connection between science and their life.

Palca’s guests include Eva Emerson, editor-in-chief of ScienceNews (Nov. 18); John Mather, senior astrophysicist, Observational Cosmology Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (Dec. 16); Carol Greider, Daniel Nathans professor and director of molecular biology and genetics at Johns Hopkins University (Jan. 20); Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH (Feb. 17); and Seth Miller, fellow at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (March 17).

Ticket prices for the package of five Smithsonian Associates’ presentations are $105 for general admission and $75 for members. Tickets prices for individual lectures are $25 for general admission and $20 for members. For tickets and information, the public may call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

The Smithsonian Associates—the largest museum-based education program in the world—produces vibrant educational and cultural programming inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions. Each year more than 750 individual programs are presented to spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages in the Washington, D.C., area and across the country. The Smithsonian Associates, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2015, brings the Smithsonian to life through seminars, performances, lectures, studio arts classes and local and regional study tours, as well as many engaging programs for children, including performances, museum sleepovers and summer day camps.

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