UNMC, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Bio Nebraska will host their first Science Cafe today at 5:30 p.m. at the Slowdown in Omaha.
The event, which will feature UNMC’s William Thorell, M.D., discussing high-tech brain surgery, is the first of two such programs that will be held at the Slowdown at 729 N. 14th St.
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William Thorrell, M.D., top, and Sanjay Singh, M.D., will be the presenters during UNMC’s first two Science Cafes, which will be held today and Feb. 10 at the Slowdown in downtown Omaha. The human brain and how it works will be the focus of the events, which are informal discussions meant to spark interest in science among young adults. |
Science Cafes are informal science discussions at local coffeehouses and bars designed to boost young adults’ interest in science.
“This format leads to face-to-face discussions in a more informal, fun environment,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs at UNMC. “We’re hopeful that the Science Cafes will appeal to young adults and help re-introduce them to science.”
Free pizza will be provided by Nebraskan Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people to arrive at each cafe.
The Science Cafes are part of an effort by UNMC and other groups to increase the population’s science literacy. A more scientifically literate populace is a goal in UNMC’s strategic plan, and a 17-member team comprising UNMC faculty and staff, as well as Omaha area community leaders, is addressing the issue.
The team has met since the summer and identified three areas of focus:
- Providing assistance and resources to the state’s elementary and secondary school science teachers;
- Establishing public education programs to increase interest in science among young adults; and
- Creating a mobile science laboratory that serves as an educational resource for students around the state.
For more information on the Science Cafes, visit www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.