Science2009

The University of Pittsburgh’s Science2009 event happens this Thursday and Friday. The event is free and open to the public, and includes lectures on a variety of scientific topics, including cutting edge technology such as microRNAs, evolutionary biology, renewable energy, and infectious diseases. Anyone in the area should take a look and consider attending sessions they are interested in.

FundScience will have a presence at Science2009 in the form of a booth where you can meet FundScience members and obtain more detailed information about our mission and our upcoming funding opportunities. We are excited to meet members of our community and share the progress we have made over the past few months, so please stop by and, as always, spread the word!

Science2009—Unplugged, the University’s ninth annual celebration of science, technology, and research, is coming on Thursday and Friday, 15 and 16 October, to Alumni Hall (with two special preview events on Wednesday, 14 October). Here are six great reasons to attend:

1.  Highlighting the program will be plenary lectures by four distinguished scientists: Victor Ambros, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School; Michael Graetzel, PhD, of Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne; Cori Bargmann, PhD, of the Rockefeller University; and Bruce Beutler, MD, of The Scripps Research Institute.

2. Pitt and Carnegie Mellon researchers will present Spotlight Sessions on a dozen timely topics in which they are actively engaged. Likewise, five Science at Work Sessions will draw on expertise from local industry.

3. Some of the latest laboratory equipment that makes today’s research possible will be on display at the Science2009 Supplier Showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 14 October, at the Petersen Events Center.

4. The Opening Reception and Technology Showcase returns this year with a special exhibit of new technologies recently developed by local academic researchers. Come and mingle with them and potential investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 14 October.

5. Maryrose Franko, PhD, of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute will be the featured speaker at a special professional development workshop designed especially for researchers in the early stages of their careers.

6. Two poster sessions highlighting recent research by students, post-docs, and faculty will be complemented this year by the Undergraduate Research Poster Reception.

For details, go to www.science2009.pitt.edu.  All Science2009 events are free and open to the public.