About us
Welcome to Houston Science Enthusiasts! Founded in 2010 (under the original name Houston Super Secret Science Club), our goal is to provide a place for people interested in science to find and gather at the most interesting science-related activities in the Greater Houston region. These include gatherings at the many science-related lectures held at area universities and other educational institutions, visits to museums, outdoors field trips and social mixers at local pubs and restaurants. The idea to make these meet-ups entertaining and interesting to the lay community as well as those from the ranks of professional scientists. Anyone can join -- you don't need a Ph.D., just some curiosity.
You also are invited to join our Facebook group, where we continue the discussion online: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HoustonSuperSecretScienceClub/
Find our listing of Houston Science Resources here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/houston-science-enthusiasts/houston-science-resources/637381806593089/
Upcoming events
7
Synthetic Biology at the Intersection of Science, Ethics and Policy
Rice University's Baker Institute, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX, USIN-PERSON: "Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biological and engineering to designing and redesigning genes, biological pathways, or organisms to solve society's major problems and understand biological principles. Rapid advancements in synthetic biology are reshaping how we approach challenges in health, the environment, and beyond. However, these breakthroughs raise questions about what should be permitted and how new technologies should be regulated. To that end, the global conversation on biotechnology must account for responsible frameworks that guide future scientific innovation.
"The symposium convenes a diverse community of scholars and practitioners in academia, industry, nonprofits and government for a deep dive into the intersection of emerging biotechnologies, public policy, and ethical responsibility.
The program is organized around two themes based on synthetic biology products: environmental and therapeutic applications of synthetic biology. The event will feature internationally recognized leaders in synthetic biology research and development, health communication, and ethics and public policy. Through thoughtful dialogue, this symposium will address both the promise of scientific advancement and the challenges of misinformation, regulation, and public trust."More information and registration: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/synthetic-biology-intersection-science-ethics-and-policy
NOTE: RSVP'ing on this Meetup page DOES NOT mean you are registered for the event itself.
Campus parking: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates
To sign up for the Baker Institute newsletter, including upcoming events, go here: https://bakerinstitute.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a8b4052d865ef65a2030dbb9d&id=130c6f9ea3
5 attendees
Death
Cafe Express, 780 W Sam Houston Pkwy N Suite 100, Houston, TX, US"There is one thing we can be sure of: we are all going to die. But once we accept that fact, the questions begin. In this thought-provoking WORK, philosophy professor Shelly Kagan examines the myriad questions that arise when we confront the meaning of mortality. Do we have reason to believe in the existence of immortal souls? Or should we accept an account according to which people are just material objects, nothing more? Can we make sense of the idea of surviving the death of one’s body? If I won’t exist after I die, can death truly be bad for me? Would immortality be desirable? Is fear of death appropriate? Is suicide ever justified? How should I live in the face of death.
"Written in an informal and conversational style, this stimulating and provocative WORK challenges many widely held views about death, as it invites the reader to take a fresh look at one of the central features of the human condition—the fact that we will die."
Everyone is welcome to participate in our IN PERSON conversation, whether you have explored the topic before or not.
You can:
At this meeting each person can nominate a publication to be voted on whether it is from the pool of candidates or not.
We'll be meeting at Cafe Express. There is ample parking in the nearby lot.
Come prepared to discuss and share ideas on the topic and have a good time.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
15 attendees
Science Cafe: Biology 2.0 Because Science Needed an Edit
Rice University's Baker Institute, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX, US"On Oct. 13, the Science and Technology Policy Program will host a Science Cafe to explore the bioeconomy, synthetic biology and emerging innovations in environmental mediation and human health.
"This event will feature work by Baker Institute faculty scholar and Rice professor of biosciences Dr. James Chappell, Baker Institute senior fellow Dr. Kirstin Matthews and Rice graduate students. Attendees will learn how synthetic biology and other cutting-edge biological tools are being developed to address environmental challenges and improve human health and wellness. The Science Café will provide an opportunity to ask questions, explore new ideas and engage with science in an accessible and welcoming setting.
"Attendees can also participate in a two-part survey as part of a research study examining public concerns about synthetic biology. Participants who complete the survey will have a chance to win one of three gift cards and a Baker Institute gift bag.
The first round of registration will be open to Roundtable members and Scitech Notes email recipients. Registration will be open to the public at a later time.
More information and registration: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/roundtable-dialogue-science-cafe-dr-james-chappell-and-dr-kirstin-matthews-biology-20-because
NOTE: RSVP'ing on this Meetup page DOES NOT mean you are registered for the event itself.
Campus parking: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates
To sign up for the Baker Institute newsletter, including upcoming events, go here: https://bakerinstitute.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a8b4052d865ef65a2030dbb9d&id=130c6f9ea3
1 attendee
Exploring Space: A Conversation With Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
Rice University's Baker Institute, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX, USThe James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University presents an event featuring NASA Astronaut and former Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa.
DESCRIPTION: "Women have long played a vital, yet often underrecognized, role in science. Despite meaningful progress, gender disparities persist worldwide, shaped by institutional barriers, cultural expectations, and unequal access to education, research opportunities, and leadership roles.
"As part of the Joni Sue Lane Lecture Series, this event will feature Ellen Ochoa, a pioneering astronaut and engineer whose career reflects both the challenges and possibilities for women in science. Ochoa became the 11th director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 2013, the first Hispanic and second woman to lead the center, and flew four space shuttle missions as the first Hispanic woman in space. Drawing on her experience across research, spaceflight, and leadership, Ochoa will reflect on the evolving role of women in science, the barriers that remain, and the importance of expanding access and representation for future generations."
Event page and registration: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/joni-sue-lane-lecture-series-exploring-space-conversation-astronaut-ellen-ochoa
NOTE: RSVP'ing on this Meetup page DOES NOT mean you are registered for the event itself.
Campus parking: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates
To sign up for the Baker Institute newsletter, including upcoming events, go here: https://bakerinstitute.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a8b4052d865ef65a2030dbb9d&id=130c6f9ea3
6 attendees
Past events
1430
