2009 Partner Events

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

SOLD OUT                     Tickets for this event are sold out, but may be available at the door. Click here for more info.

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

SOLD OUT                     Tickets for this event are sold out, but may be available at the door. Click here for more info.

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

SOLD OUT                     Tickets for this event are sold out, but may be available at the door. Click here for more info.

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

SOLD OUT                     Tickets for this event are sold out, but may be available at the door. Click here for more info.

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

SOLD OUT                     Tickets for this event are sold out, but may be available at the door. Click here for more info.

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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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

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