2009 Festival

FEATURING Alan Alda • Marin Alsop • Christine Baranski
Joshua Bell • Danny Burstein • Glenn Close
Todd Ellison • Yo-Yo Ma • Marcus Printup • Anna Deavere Smith
National Dance Institute • The Inspirational Voices of Abyssinian Baptist Church
Performance directed and produced by Damian Woetzel HONORING Edward O. Wilson, explorer, poet and champion of the natural world on his 80th birthday read more

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In the second installment of this World Science Festival annual event, selected New York City High School students will interview Nobel laureate and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Harold Varmus, and preeminent marine biologist, Sylvia Earle. In these insightful interviews, youthful curiosity compels unusually candid conversations, revealing the essence of pioneering science. read more

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Created especially for the World Science Festival, this presentation allows you to experience the Hayden Planetarium's Digital Universe with an immersive, three-dimensional tour of the cosmos that will change your perspective on home. Among other renowned scientists, theoretical physicists Jim Gates and Lawrence Krauss and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Frederick P. Rose Director, Hayden Planetarium, will lead a cosmic journey to explore the surprising factors that are firing a revolution in modern cosmology. read more

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Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival by exploring the eponymous river's history from its pristine days, through its decline during the industrial revolution, to its heartening rebirth as an environmental success story. The program will include a special presentation by Eric Sanderson of his remarkable Mannahatta Project, a 3D computer recreation of 1609 New Amsterdam, and dramatic readings by acclaimed storyteller and poet David Gonzalez. Join New York Times environmental reporter Andrew Revkin in a lively conversation with Riverkeeper President Alex Matthiessen and noted experts on American art history and the Hudson's rich aquatic life. read more

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Beneath WALL-E’s whimsical surface lies a grown up, cautionary tale about humanity’s relationship with the environment. Carl Zimmer hosts leading scientists Mitchell Joachim, Christopher McKay and Ben Schwegler as they explore ingenious strategies for creating a sustainable future — from 'carborexic' cities made entirely from recycled trash to how the pursuit of "green" space exploration may one day help to revolutionize waste management here on Earth. read more

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So you thought nobody could know what you're thinking? Well, you're right. For now. But fMRI brain research, identifying patterns linked to thoughts, is moving forward at a pace that's surprising even experts. Host Scott Simon joins leading neuroscientists for a state-of-the-art tour through research that's closing in on an ability to make our thoughts visible. The program will also explore related research on brain controlled prostheses and the newly emerging field of neuroethics. read more

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Why is there something rather than nothing? And what does ‘nothing’ really mean? More than a philosophical musing, understanding nothing may be the key to unlocking deep mysteries of the universe, from dark energy to why particles have mass. Journalist John Hockenberry hosts Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek, esteemed cosmologist John Barrow, and leading physicists Paul Davies and George Ellis as they explore physics, philosophy and the nothing they share. read more

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In December, world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to negotiate the atmospheric level of CO₂ beyond which we believe earth will fail to support life as we know it. Bill Ritter hosts a powerhouse panel including James Hansen,Thomas Lovejoy, Bill McKibben, Sylvia Earle, David Battisti and Robert Corell to probe the science and policy behind one of the most urgent debates of our times. read more

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Hailed by Newsweek as "the most exciting individual in American theater", Actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith melds journalism and performance to create insightful one-woman vignettes depicting two of the most influential scientists of our day – Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of DNA, James Watson, and "father of biodiversity and sociobiology" E.O. Wilson. Following the performance, Charlie Rose hosts Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus and head of NOAA Jane Lubchenco in an exploration of the impact Watson and Wilson have had on modern life and how their work will profoundly shape the future. read more

This multi-media event invites curious minds of all ages to meet scientists with some of the coolest jobs out there. Join host Majora Carter to dive into remote caves with microbiologist Hazel Barton, hunt for hidden artistic treasures with Maurizio Seracini, and discover what frogs can tell us about our impact on the environment with biologist Tyrone Hayes. read more

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Strip away the trimmings of a traditional science presentation, add cocktails, and you have the WSF Spotlight. An intimate, cabaret-style setting provides an unobstructed glimpse into the minds of some of the world's most inspired thinkers. It's a science happy-hour featuring cutting edge science and one-of-a-kind talks that promise to entertain, engage and enlighten. read more

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Can marching ants, schooling fish, and herding wildebeests teach us something about the morning commute? Robert Krulwich guides this unique melding of mathematics, physics, and behavioral science as Mitchell Joachim, Anna Nagurney and Iain Couzin examine the creative and sometimes counterintuitive solutions to one of the modern world's most annoying problems. read more

One of the great mysteries in the art world is the disappearance of a mural by Leonardo da Vinci. For centuries, "The Battle of Anghiari" was known as the "lost Leonardo" and believed to be destroyed. But now, using cutting-edge technology and art analysis, a bioengineer is convinced the work is hidden in the walls of the Palazzo Vecchio. 'Da Vinci Detective' Maurizio Seracini explains the technology and theories behind his quest. read more

Witness the power of legendary National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting’s breathtaking images of life on Earth from its earliest beginnings to its present diversity, and hear his incredible stories of how they were created. Lanting and his partner, Chris Eckstrom, present excerpts from their extraordinary multimedia project, LIFE: A Journey Through Time, and sit down for a discussion with leading paleontologists Michael Novacek (American Museum of Natural History) and Derek Briggs (Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History). read more

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Presented with New York's storytelling organization, The Moth, Nobel-prize-winning scientists, renowned writers and esteemed artists tell on-stage stories about their personal relationship with science. In keeping with Moth tradition, each story must be true and told without notes in ten minutes. The result is a poignant, hilarious, and always unpredictable evening of storytelling and science. read more

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What makes Mona Lisa's smile so intriguing? What makes Picasso's portraits so compelling? Kurt Andersen hosts artists Chuck Close and Devorah Sperber, with neuroscientists Margaret Livingstone, Chris Tyler and Ken Nakayama, as they examine the power of brain imaging technology to illuminate how we perceive the most intimate yet public of features, the human face. read more

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Though many animals display cooperative behavior, human cooperation is distinct. Alan Alda hosts E.O. Wilson, Sarah Hrdy and other leading evolutionary biologists, anthropologists and humanitarians as they examine the origins and evolution of human cooperative behavior. read more

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Climate change and rising sea levels threaten substantial flooding and droughts worldwide. How do we avoid mass migrations, food shortages, disease and political conflict that could accompany such devastation? Join the world's foremost adaptation experts as they survey threatened regions of the planet, including New York City, and suggest strategies for changing our strained relationship with H₂O. read more

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Is our response to music hard-wired or culturally determined? Is the reaction to rhythm and melody universal or influenced by environment? Join host John Schaefer, scientist Daniel Levitin and musical artist Bobby McFerrin for live performances and cross cultural demonstrations to illustrate music’s note-worthy interaction with the brain and our emotions. read more

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Cast members from Battlestar Galactica join leading roboticists to explore scientifically, philosophically, and ethically the approaching frontier where intelligent machines are commonplace and cybernetic technology enhances human capabilities. Featuring sneak previews from the forthcoming Battlestar special The Plan as well as live appearances by some of the show's star cylons. read more

What is the relationship between speed and temperature? What does that have to do with making a perfect clock? Back by overwhelming popular demand, Nobel prize-winning physicist William Phillips takes audiences on a journey to the lowest temperatures ever recorded. Featuring jaw-dropping experiments, Phillips demonstrates what happens when ordinary objects are taken to the edge of absolute zero. read more

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New York City might be the epicenter of human diversity, but what about our biodiversity? Join us for a Bio Blitz in some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens. Professional naturalists and research scientists will guide urban explorers of all ages and backgrounds in a scientific inventory of the flora, fauna, fungi — and all things crawly. In honor of E.O. Wilson, pioneer of the Bio Blitz method, this event will inspire Wilson-like wonder and appreciation for the natural diversity found right in our own neighborhood. read more

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Reader's Digest has called "Mathemagician" Arthur Benjamin "America's Best Math Whiz." Returning in an encore presentation, Arthur Benjamin displays feats of mental mathematical gymnastics and shares the secrets behind his skills. A combination of math and magic, this program will captivate the entire family. read more

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How do we learn to speak? What is the connection between language and movement? Join a broad and distinguished panel of biologists, psychologists, neuroscientists, philosophers, musicians and writers, including leading bird scientists Erich Jarvis and Irene Pepperberg, on an exploration of how striking parallels between bird and human brains are providing sharp new insights into how we acquire language and links between hearing and movement. Featuring a special appearance of Snowball, the dancing cockatoo of YouTube fame. read more

Public debate, pitting atheist against believer, typically yields a polarized picture. Might a more nuanced conversation that transcends simplistic assertions, and weaves insights from physics, biology, and psychology provide a more fruitful exchange of ideas? Bill Blakemore hosts scientists Lawrence Krauss, Ken Miller and Guy Consolmagno, and philosopher Colin McGinn to find out. read more

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Alan Alda explores the nature of creative breakthroughs with innovators Dean Kamen, holder of more than 440 U.S. patents, and Hugh Herr, Director of the MIT Biomechatronics lab. The instant of inspiration can be as unpredictable as lightening, but true innovators create optimum conditions for transformative insights. What does it take to throw out conventional approaches to a problem and come up with something entirely new? Join us for a discussion about curiosity, passion, perseverance, collaboration and discovery. read more

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Albert Einstein shattered previous ideas about time, but left many pivotal questions unanswered: Does time have a beginning? An end? Why does it move in only one direction? Is it real, or something our minds impose on reality? Journalist John Hockenberry leads a distinguished panel, including renowned physicist Sir Roger Penrose and prominent philosopher David Albert, as they explore the nature of time. read more

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Peak Experience is the ultimate sleepover adventure for forty children, ages 9-12, as they work together to confront the challenges of climbing Mt. Everest. Led by Robert Anderson, sherpas, and some of the world's most experienced climbers, these young participants will explore the many scientific aspects of mountain climbing — from the physiological demands to the physics.
No adults permitted. read more

Do we choose our actions or are they pre-determined? Is free will real or an illusion? In this special presentation with the 92nd Street Y, Nobel laureate Paul Nurse joins psychologist Daniel Wegner, neuroscientist Patrick Haggard, and philosopher Alfred Mele for a discussion that promises to illuminate this pivotal and perplexing age-old puzzle. read more

Time allows us to live in the moment, reflect on the past, plan for the future. It’s our most familiar, precious, yet mysterious commodity. Celebrated author and neurologist Oliver Sacks and psychologist Daniel Gilbert draw on converging insights from physical, biological and neurological perspectives to reflect on this most vital factor shaping the human experience. read more

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The multiverse hypothesis, suggesting that our universe is but one of perhaps infinitely many, speaks to the very nature of reality. Join physicist Brian Greene, cosmologists Alan Guth and Andrei Linde, and philosopher Nick Bostrom as they discuss and debate this controversial implication of forefront research and explore its potential for redefining the cosmic order. Moderated by Robert Krulwich and featuring an original musical interlude, inspired by parallel worlds, by DJ Spooky. read more

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Some of the most ardent foes of nuclear power now believe it must be a large part of the mix to solve the worlds' energy problems. Join renowned broadcast journalist Garrick Utley and distinguished panel including James Hanson, Shirley Ann Jackson and Stephen Tindale to explore the science and rationale behind giving nuclear power a second chance. read more

In this one-woman show, join writer/comedian Emily Levine on two parallel journeys: from Newton's rational universe to the universe of chaos and from her own perfect health to mysterious, devastating illness. A surprising, thought-provoking and entertaining meditation on what the lessons of science can teach us about ourselves, followed by a conversation with physicists Lawrence Krauss and Janna Levin. read more

The Washington Square Park area is transformed into a science wonderland when the World Science Festival Youth and Family Street Fair returns to New York City, Sunday, June 14, 2009. This year’s extravaganza will feature a non-stop program of interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows designed to entertain and inspire. Join us for a full day of free family fun. A sampling of the day’s events include:  
The Math Midway
Discover your probability as you spin the Universal Wheel of Chance, ride a Square-Wheeled Tricycle, and make a Mechanical Monkey walk the Number-Line Tightrope at the carnival-themed Math Midway.  
Discovery Labs
Visit our hands on Science Labs for “take home” science experiments throughout the day. Here’s your chance to build your own paper helicopter, plant your own edible seeds, and combine art and science to make your own original creation.  
The CSI Experience™ at the World Science Festival
The CSI Experience will include hands on crime scene activities led by real criminologists from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Visitors to the exhibit will evaluate a crime scene, identify trace evidence, compare ballistic evidence and collect fingerprints.  
Central Park Zoo's Wildlife Theater
Join Robbie the Roach in “Big Bug Boogie” for a fun and scientific journey to discover why insects are important to plants, animals and even humans. Then fly like a butterfly on a 3,000 mile-adventure with “The Tale of Flutterby and Piggle” as you explore the collaborative relationships in nature.   And more... read more

The Starry Messenger is a dramatic fun filled adaptation of Galileo's short treatise Siderius Nuncius. Galileo (dressed in 17th century costume) has arrived at the World Science Festival to present a public lecture on his most recent discoveries made using his newly devised spyglass. As he describes his discoveries, Galileo's new method of observation and measurement of nature become apparent. Throughout the presentation the “esteemed scientists” in the audience are actively involved in experiments and demonstrations. read more

This event is free. Admission will be first-come, first-served.

Discovery Theatre and Author’s Corner will host some of today’s most dynamic science authors for a full day of readings, activities, and presentations in Discovery Theatre. Pick up a copy of the newest titles and meet our distinguished authors in person in Authors Corner. Great books make the most complicated topics accessible and exciting. Enjoy readings, discussions, and other activities throughout the day. read more

This event is free. Admission will be first-come, first-served.

Lucy Hawking’s talk ‘Surfing the Solar System’ is a young person’s guide to the Solar System and the fascinating universe beyond. Lucy will discuss working with her father, Professor Stephen Hawking, on George’s Secret Key to the Universe, the children’s book that they have authored together. Discover the mysteries of physics, science and the universe in an informative and entertaining look at just what is — and isn’t — out there. read more

This event is free. Admission will be first-come, first-served.

The Dr. Schaffer and Mr. Stern Dance Ensemble, under the direction of founders Karl Schaffer and Erik Stern, has entertained audiences throughout North America with their delightful mix of physicality, humor, and a playful sense of the mathematical. Spinning together rhythm, dance, and storytelling, the company entertains with performances that seamlessly blend art and science. From tap dance to the permutations of a single sheet of paper, from flying machines to the ancient Chinese puzzle tangrams, this dance company displays the magic and mystery that is both dance and mathematics. read more

This event is free. Admission will be first-come, first-served.

How do ants communicate? Are we more like them than we imagine? What is the biggest frog ever photographed? And why does it matter? Bringing Bio Blitzing in the Boroughs full circle, America's consummate naturalist E.O. Wilson and world-renowned insect scientist and photographer Mark Moffett share stories from their adventures in exploring the fascinating and surprising biodiversity of life on Earth. A lively and visually compelling conclusion to the WSF Street Fair in Washington Square Park. read more

This event is free. Admission will be first-come, first-served.