Nobel Prize winner and Florida State University chemistry and biochemistry Professor Sir Harold Kroto has begun a series of five weekly discussions for FSU undergraduates that explore the important role of art and science in our lives. Called “Five Days of Opening Minds,” the series will run through Oct. 17 and will feature a different topic of discussion each week focused on opening minds to new ideas and new ways of thinking about our world and our place in the universe. Each lecture will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and all FSU undergraduates are invited.
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, a discussion titled “Science, Society and Responsibility” is scheduled. It will cover the incredible usefulness of science in creating our modern civilization and how that has led to many significant issues that society must address.
Upcoming lectures are as follows:
- Wednesday, Oct. 3 — “C60 Buckminsterfullerene: The Celestial Sphere That Fell to Earth”: The discussion will center on how scientific discoveries happen using the “buckyball” carbon molecule example that earned Kroto his Nobel Prize.
- Wednesday, Oct. 10 —“The Birth of Natural Philosophy and Its Prodigal Son: Science”: An in-depth discussion on the traumatic birth of science and the brave people who risked everything to make it what it is today is scheduled.
- Wednesday, Oct. 17 — “The GooYouWiki World and the Educational Revolution”: The series finale will look at the Internet and the astounding improvements this technological wonder has created for education on a global scale.
Each discussion is open to current Florida State students and will be held at FSU’s Student Life Center Theater. While a detailed knowledge of science is not necessary to attend any of the events, a general interest in the subject would help increase enjoyment. For more information, visit http://phy.fsu.edu/news/2012/kls/omp.pdf.