1:19 p.m., April 10, 2009----The University of Delaware Science Café kicks off a series of informal monthly discussions among scientists and community members on Wednesday, April 22, with a talk titled “Life Under the Ice in Antarctica” by Adam Marsh, associate professor of marine and earth studies.

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“Science Café is an opportunity for faculty to help build public understanding of science and engineering,” said organizer Tom Powers, an assistant professor of philosophy and director of the Science, Ethics and Policy Program at the University of Delaware. “Each discussion features a science or engineering professor who explains an aspect of his or her research in non-technical terms and then facilitates discussion with an interested audience.”

Science Cafés began in the U.K. as an informal way for scientists to discuss their work with the public. At least 35 cafés now exist in the U.S., including one in Arlington, Va., sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

The free discussions, which are open to the public, will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. at Home Grown Café and Gourmet, 126 E. Main Street in Newark. The Delaware NSF EPSCoR program will sponsor food, and the restaurant will offer happy hour beverage specials.

Presentations, which focus on the basics of a research area and its applications and public benefits, are scheduled for the following dates:

* April 29 -- Murray Johnston, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, “Breathing the Air in Delaware.”

* May 6 -- Janine Sherrier, associate professor of plant and soil sciences, “Life in the Underground: How Simple Soil Bacteria Protect Our Environment.”

* May 13 -- Nicole Donofrio, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences, and Michael Dobres, founder and owner of NovaFlora, Inc. in West Grove, Pa., “Genetics in Your Garden.”

For details and updated information, see the Science, Ethics and Public Policy Program Web site.

Article by Katie Ginder-Vogel