Vancouver, B.C. – And science doesn’t necessarily sound like you might think.
From defining the ultimate sustainable food system, to how science affects the sounds we hear in the songs we love, a new speaker series launching this month is setting out to expand science literacy across generations with a roster of topics that address compelling, relatable and timely issues.
Six instalments by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Science World British Columbia will kick off June 15 at TELUS World of Science with the world-renowned Borealis String Quartet on how construction methods and materials influence an instrument’s sound. Spanning the 16th-18th centuries, the event will take guests on a musical journey through history and the etymologies of well-known string instruments.
And it’s just the beginning. Over the course of the next year, the free public series will engage, entertain and educate guests with fascinating insights into the world of science.
“This series is all about exploring and discussing the many ways science informs and inspires us as individuals, communities and ecosystems. It’s an important conversation to have, and KPU is excited to bring research to community, and help shape what we understand science to be, from the behavioural psychology of greatness, to critical analysis of how 20th century food systems affect 21st century living,” said Dr. Sal Ferreras, KPU’s provost and vice-president academic.
Guest speakers at future instalments include: Dr. Kent Mullinix on building sustainable food systems for the 21st century; Dr. David Burns with how to be scientific without having to be a scientist; Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani on the psychology of good and evil; Dr. Laura Weir on the birds and the bees of fish mating, and; Dr. Carl Whitney with how plant seasons are shifting along with our changing climate. Each event will feature an hour-long presentation, followed by a 30-minute discussion with guests.
“We are excited to partner with KPU on this exciting new speaker series,” said Bryan Tisdall, president and CEO of Science World. "The diverse range of topics will appeal to audiences with a variety of interests. Science literacy begins with engagement and we feel this series will spark the love of science within all of us, by showing science in real-world applications.”
Founded in Vancouver, the Borealis String Quartet has brought their passionate performances to sold-out audiences around the world, from Beijing to Rome. They are currently KPU’s string quartet-in-residence, and will kick off the KPU-Science World Speaker Series next Monday.
The series is a collaboration between KPU and Science World, and is in part funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
For more information on the speaker series and to register for the June 15 event, visit kpu.ca/scienceworld.
BOREALIS STRING QUARTET: MUSIC AND SCIENCE
WHEN: Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
INFO: The event is free and open to the public. Guests must register prior to the event at kpu.ca/scienceworld.
Science World British Columbia is a charitable organization that engages British Columbians in science and inspires future science and technology leadership throughout our province.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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