World Science Festival

World Science Festival
The festival's logo
StatusActive
GenreScience festival
FrequencyAnnually
VenueVarious
LocationsNew York City, New York
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2008 (2008)
PatronsFounding benefactors: Simons Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation
SponsorWorld Science Foundation
Websiteworldsciencefestival.com

The World Science Festival is an annual science festival hosted by the World Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City.[1] There is also an Asia-Pacific event held in Brisbane, Australia.


History

The festival was founded by Brian Greene, a professor of mathematics and physics at Columbia University, and Tracy Day, a former television news producer and broadcast journalist. Greene is now chairman of the World Science Foundation and Day is executive of the World Science Festival.[2]

Founding benefactors include the Simons Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation.[3]

Board of directors


Inaugural festival

The inaugural festival took place May 28 – June 1, 2008, at 22 venues in New York City. It included 46 events, a street festival, and the day-long World Science Summit at Columbia University. Participants included 150 speakers, scientists, and artists, among whom were 11 Nobel Prize laureates. Venues included the American Museum of Natural History, Abyssinian Baptist Church, and New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. The recorded attendance was over 120,000.[4]

World Science Festival venues

Audience preparing to watch "Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe" by Eric Whitacre in Brooklyn Bridge Park

New York City

Since its inception, the festival has reported over two million visitors alongside online viewership. Events include panel discussions, debates, theatrical productions, musical performances, and outdoor activities throughout New York City museums, parks, and galleries.

Brisbane

Since 2016, another event has been held each year in Brisbane, Australia. It is organized by Queensland Museum Network, which holds the exclusive license for in the Asia Pacific region from 2016 to 2021.[5]

Past participants

Past participants have included:

Nobel Laureates

The following Nobel Laureates have participated:


Education

The organization operates educational initiatives directed at student and adult audiences.

World Science Scholars

The World Science Scholars program is a two-year initiative funded by the John Templeton Foundation for high school students with mathematical aptitude, providing mentorship from scientists and peer collaboration on topics such as particle physics, computational thinking, astrobiology, and string theory. Mentors and faculty participating in the program have included Brian Greene, Mandë Holford, Miguel Nicolelis, Stephen Wolfram, Cumrun Vafa, and Suzana Herculano-Houzel.[6]

World Science U

World Science U offers everyone from high school students to adults the opportunity to explore science topics with researchers and educators.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Non-profit status and chairman position from the foundation's 990-EZ form for 2006, accessible online via "GuideStar". GuideStar USA, Inc. 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.. Current board of directors from World Science Festival (April 2008). "Board of directors". Science Festival Foundation. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  2. ↑ Cf. Musser, George (April 25, 2008). "A Science Fête Project: A Q&A with Brian Greene". Scientific American. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Sponsors".
  4. ↑ – Venues and event numbers: Overbye, Dennis (June 3, 2008). "An Overflowing Five-Day Banquet of Science and Its Meanings". The New York Times. Retrieved June 5, 2008.
    – Summit: Timmer, John (May 28, 2008). "First Kavli Prize Winners in New Fields of Science Announced". Ars Technica. Retrieved June 5, 2008.
    – Attendance: Souccar, Miriam (June 6, 2008). "City's Science Festival Attracts Record Numbers". Crain's New York Business. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  5. ↑ "About the World Science Festival Brisbane". www.worldsciencefestival.com.au. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  6. ↑ "World Science Scholars". World Science Festival. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  7. ↑ "World Science U". World Science U. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
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