The 21st Century . . . It’s Evolving

The Department of Biology, in partnership with the Department of Anthropology, will be hosting a series of free public events to celebrate Charles Darwin’s 206th birthday February 12-13.

Carl Zimmer will speak Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015. A tradition in Biology, Darwin Day celebrates the research and accomplishments of students, postdocs, and faculty in their department as well as across UAB. It also brings leading figures in the field of science to campus for lectures on a variety of topics. This year, UAB researchers will be recognized at a poster session at the Edge of Chaos at Lister Hill Library from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For details on submitting a poster, email darwinday@uab.edu with your information.

The featured lecturers are Carl Zimmer, a well-known columnist for The New York Times and author of Planet of Viruses. Zimmer’s lecture, “Darwin’s Ebola: The Evolution of Deadly Viruses (and Not-So-Deadly Ones),” will be held on Thursday, February 12 at the McWane Science Center at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Contact the McWane Science Center at (205) 714-8414 for reservations.

Frans de Waal will speak Friday, Feb. 13, 2015.The second public lecture will be given by Dr. Frans De Waal, a highly regarded primatologist from Emory University on Friday, February 13 at 4:00 p.m. Dr. de Waal’s talk is entitled, “War and Peace Among the Primates.” He will also discuss his most recent book, The Bonobo and the Atheist: In Search of Humanism Among the Primates. His presentation will be at UAB Hospital-Highlands Media Center. To RSVP, email darwinday@uab.edu.

The festivities will end with an “Adapation Party” at Desert Island Supply Co. at 7:00 p.m.

In addition to the academic departments and venues, other key partners include UAB Honors College and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society.

Help us wish Darwin a very happy birthday!