Carolina Science Concourse

From Todd vision of the UNC Biology Department and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center:

NESCent is helping put together a couple of public events in the Triangle to
celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth (on Feb 12-
TOMORROW!) and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of the
Species (this coming November).

First, Carl Zimmer will launch the first in a series of public talks at the
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences:

Carl Zimmer “Darwin and Beyond: How Evolution Is Evolving”, February 12,
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

http://www.nescent.org/news/Speakers_Zimmer2009.php

Zimmer is well known for his popular science writing, particularly his work
on evolution.  He has published several books including Soul Made Flesh, a
history of the brain, Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea, At the Water’s
Edge, a book about major transitions in the history of life, The Smithsonian
Intimate Guide to Human Origins; and his latest book Microcosm: E. coli and
the New Science of Life.  Mr. Zimmer contributes to the New York Times,
National Geographic, Discover, Scientific American, Science, and Popular
Science.  He also maintains the award winning blog The Loom.

*****************

A little later this month, there will be a symposium on “Darwin’s Legacy:
Evolutionary Approaches to World Challenges”
February 21, 2009, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sigma Xi Headquarters, Research Triangle Park

More info: http://www.nescent.org/news/DarwinDay2009.php

The symposium will focus on the societal benefits of evolutionary biology
research. Learn how evolutionary biologists are improving staple crops,
developing better methods to control infectious disease, constructing better
conservation plans and employing evolutionary principles to engineer more
efficient products. Registration is required, but is free.

The talks, followed by a panel discussion, include:

“Applied Evolution from 1869-1946: Eugenics to the death of Oleg Vavilov”
Fred Gould, North Carolina State University

“How can an evolutionary biology perspective help biodiversity
conservation?” Dan Faith, Australian Museum

“Artificial Chemical Systems Capable of Darwinian Evolution: Understanding
by way of synthesis”, Steve Benner, The Westheimer Institute of Science and
Technology

“Evolution and Agriculture: The tropical crop cassava”, Barbara Schaal,
Washington University, St. Louis

“The Evolutionary Dynamics of Viral Pathogens:Implications for disease
dynamics and control”, Katia Koelle, Duke University