Darwin Day 2008
Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809. His observations in Natural History and his evolutionary theory (new species emerge via descent with modification from populations of common ancestors through the actions of natural selection) transformed biology and related sciences like no other idea. Although he was neither the first one nor the only one to espouse evolutionary ideas, his painstaking attention to detail in careful studies of biological variation and the processes of change earned him an enduring place in the history of scientific research.
In recognition of his enormous impact, people around the world commemorate his life and work with an annual celebration on his birthday, and many plan special celebrations and events during the week. Here is a list of Darwin Day events and some links to Darwin Day web sites.
Special presentation by Martha Heil from the American Institute of Physics.
The Good News and the Bad News on How Science is Perceived in the US.
Martha Heil
works in both media relations and government relations at the
American Institute of Physics. She tracks occurrences of the introduction of
"intelligent design" and challenges to science. She coordinates actions by the
physics community and contributes to actions by the broader science community
on this issue. Heil also works on Inside Science News Service, AIP's news
product about the science behind current affairs for non-science-journalists.
Please join us at 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 7, 2008.
Location: Lapham Hall, Room 250 (3209 N Maryland Ave).
Discussion to follow — on-campus or off
(We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and cooperation of members of SWiFT in promoting and supporting UWM's Darwin Day events, funding from a project proposal submitted by UW-Madison to the Baldwin Fund, and the Department of Biological Sciences at UW-Parkside.)
Related Event: Don't miss the Science Bag presentation by Jeff Karron, "Bumblebee Buzz: What's Happening to Our Pollinators?" Science Bag presentations meet Fridays at 8 pm and Sunday, Feb 10, 2008 at 2 PM. Details here.
Please visit these websites at other UW campuses to read about their plans to celebrate Darwin Day.
Madison: A day-long session with a variety of talks, activities, events, and social activities.
Whitewater: A featured lecture —Terra: Our 100-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem--and the Threats That Now Put It at Risk— with Mike Novacek of the American Museum of Natural History on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008. Reception at 6:45PM, talk to begin at 7:30.
Here, There, and Everywhere: The web site of Darwin Day Celebration with links to commemorations around the world.
Contact Us for more information about the UWM Darwin Day events.