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
9
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
4 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
International Observe the Moon Night at Rice Observatory
Brockman Hall for Physics - Rice University, 6100 Main St, Houston, TX, USFREE EVENT: The Rice Space Institute will host a Rice University Observatory Open House in conjunction with International Observe the Moon Night.
Learn more here: https://www.ruf.rice.edu/~ruco/open_houses.html
Location: Brockman Hall for Physics (NOT FOR OPERA)
Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brockman+Hall+for+Physics/@29.7196714,-95.4041851,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c07c7f054a5f:0xe52e9303a3e7fb96!8m2!3d29.7196714!4d-95.4016048!16s%2Fg%2F11c5xl0cy3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3DParking: The closest parking is in the "North Lot", between entrances 20 and 21. Use a credit card for entry and exit. Less expensive parking in the Greenbriar lot, west of the stadium.
Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/North+Parking+Lot+Rice+University/@29.7205748,-95.4211926,15z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3DParking Facilities and Rates: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates
To receive email notices of these and other space related events and lectures, visit the RSI mailchimp signup page.
Top image: NASA
7 attendees
Artemis II: Orion’s Journey Around the Moon and Shaping NASA’s Next Era
Rice University, Keck Hall 100, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, USHYBRID: The Rice Space Institute will hold a Frontiers Lecture Series featuring NASA's Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez.
"NASA's Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez will share what it took to ready the spacecraft that recently carried humans around the Moon for the first time in over a half a century, returned them home safely, and ultimately brought humanity farther from Earth than ever before. Hear insights on the spacecraft's high-speed views of the Moon and Earth witnessed from the eyes of the crew, and what's next for Orion on NASA's upcoming Artemis missions in 2027-2028."
The lecture will be held at Rice University's Keck Hall, Room 100.
There will be a reception starting at 6:30 PM at Valhalla, while the lecture itself will begin at 7:00 PM
Event page and registration: https://events.rice.edu/event/440764-rsi-frontiers-lecture-series-branelle-rodriguez-on
Keck Hall on the Rice Interactive Map: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=473#!m/120224?s/Keck
Campus parking: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates
Register for the Zoom meeting: https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/Uu7h5GxnQza9VE917FEfqw#/registration
1 attendee
Past events
1430
