SPIRIT OF INNOVATION: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE NOBEL PRIZE
Since its creation 100 years ago, the Nobel Prize has come to symbolize the
ultimate achievement in innovation and creativity for the benefit of
humanity. The Lemelson Center marks the 100th anniversary of the Prize with
programs that uncover the inventive spirit honored by these prestigious
awards in the sciences, arts, and humanities.
...................................................
April 21
The Virtual Human: Exploring the Boundaries of 21st-Century Science
Co-sponsored with The Smithsonian Associates
The burgeoning 21st-century technologies of robotics, DNA mapping, and
nanomedicine suggest the capability of eventually manipulating the very
building blocks of life, matter, and intelligence. Join some of the world's
leading research scientists as they explain the potential applications of
these advances and illustrate them with stunning images, computer animation,
and robotic demonstrations. A panel of Nobel laureates and other
distinguished scientists addresses the philosophical ramifications and
ethical concerns that accompany the hope and excitement inherent in such
bold, new science. Featured speakers include MIT's head of robotics, Rodney
Brooks; Craig Venter of Celera Genomics; and Nobel Laureate Robert
Richardson, who received the 1996 Prize in Physics.
9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Carmichael Auditorium, first floor, National
Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW. General
admission: $96; Resident Associate Members: $72; Resident Associate Senior
Members: $64.80. For more information, contact The Smithsonian Associates on
(202) 357-3030 and mention Code 1L0-076; register online; or e-mail The
Smithsonian Associates.
...................................................
April 23
The Nobel Prize and Its Impact on Science: Einstein's Prize in Perspective
Albert Einstein received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics, but not for his
theory of relativity. Instead, the prize committee commended him "for his
services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law
of the photoelectric effect." What motivated them to ignore his greatest
achievement? The turmoil accompanying this decision offers a superb glimpse
behind the scenes of the award process.
Have the Nobel Prizes achieved Alfred Nobel's original goal to honor those
who "have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.?" Have the prizes been
beneficial for science itself? Join Nobel Laureates Douglas Osheroff
(Physics 1996) and Sheldon Glashow (Physics 1979); sociologist Harriet
Zuckerman (Andrew Mellon Foundation); and historians David Cassidy (Hofstra
University), Robert Friedman (University of Oslo), and Robert Kargon (Johns
Hopkins University) in a discussion about these important issues, moderated
by Alan Friedman, director of the New York Hall of Science.
2:30-5:15 p.m. in the Information Age Theater, first floor, west wing,
National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW.
Free and open to the public; no reservations required. For more information,
please call (202) 357-1593.
...................................................
April 26
"Nobel Voices" exhibit opening
The first of two new exhibits that explore the people behind the Prizes.
Nobel Voices tells the human stories behind the Nobel Prizes, accenting the
interdisciplinary creativity embodied in the Laureates themselves. This
highly-visual and interactive exhibit traces the life of inventor Alfred
Nobel and the creation of the Prizes, and explores the motivation and vision
of selected Laureates that led to their receiving this distinguished honor.
Artwork and poetry by students from the Duke Ellington Youth Project are
featured in the exhibit, emphasizing the connections among creative minds of
any age and the continuing inspiration of Nobel Voices.
Taylor Gallery, first floor, National Museum of American History, 14th St.
and Constitution Ave., NW, through October 31, 2001. Free and open to the
public; no reservations required. For more information, please call (202)
357-1593.
...................................................
April 26 and 27
"Nobel Voices" curator talks
Curators from the Lemelson Center, the National Museum of American History,
and the Deutsches Museum Bonn share their insights during these informal
tours of "Nobel Voices."
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27. Meet at
Information Desk, first floor, National Museum of American History, 14th St.
and Constitution Ave., NW. Free and open to the public; no reservations
required. For more information, please call (202) 357-1593.
--------------------
* Invention News from the Lemelson Center
* This listserv distributes information on the activities
* of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention
* and Innovation, part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of
* American History.
*
* Please visit our website at http://www.si.edu/lemelson
* E-mail us at lemcen@nmah.si.edu
* Or phone 1-202-357-1593.
*
===================================================================
WEB SITE: http://pks.bu.edu/awbim
POST MESSAGE: Send a message to artwithbraininmind-l@pks.bu.edu
(UN)SUBSCRIBE: Send message to majordomo@pks.bu.edu with
'subscribe artwithbraininmind-l' in body to subscribe, or
'unsubscribe artwithbraininmind-l' in body to unsubscribe
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sat Sep 06 2008 - 04:03:09 EDT