Café Sci

Bigelow Laboratory's Café Sci is a fun, free way for you to dive into global ocean issues and opportunities with leading scientists, made possible through sponsorship by HM Payson.

Our Café Sci series has concluded for the season, we'll see you in 2024!

In the meantime, you can watch (or re-watch) them all on our YouTube page. Watch them now!

Tipping Points:

A Multimedia Performance by Halcyon String Quartet

Halcyon String Quartet with introduction by Dr. Deborah Bronk

For this special Café Sci, join Halcyon for a 60-minute multimedia performance combining live string quartet music with synchronous film. The performance explores the environmental, social, and economic drivers of climate change while encouraging audiences to reflect on the ways that the media, economy, and persistent messaging around sustainability and growth shape our everyday behavior. The program will begin with a brief talk about climate change by Dr. Deborah Bronk, president and CEO of Bigelow Laboratory, and conclude with an audience discussion and Q&A.

Science from a Seed:

Growing Bold Science from Big Ideas

By Drs. Manoj Kamalanathan, Catherine Mitchell, and Julia Brown

Seed money is an invaluable resource to explore promising, early-stage ideas and develop them into large-scale research efforts. Join three Bigelow Laboratory research scientists as they share some of their newest work and the exciting directions in which they’re taking the projects in the future. Manoj Kamalanathan is examining the potential of algae as a living fertilizer to enhance soil health, capture carbon dioxide, and reduce nutrient pollution from fertilizer. Catherine Mitchell and Julia Brown have teamed up to explore the use of satellite observations to predict the distribution of marine microbial genes and processes.

Hands-On Inspiration:

The Value of Authentic Research Experiences for Student Scientists

By Dr. Ben Twining

Bigelow Laboratory offers several hands-on education programs throughout the year, creating opportunities for students, from high school to graduate level, to engage in cutting-edge research with Bigelow Laboratory scientists. These programs not only advance our science, but they also play an important role in the professional development and future endeavors of our students. Join Senior Research Scientist and Vice President for Education Ben Twining as he shares stories from some of our education programs and the lasting impact they’ve had on participants, Bigelow Laboratory, and the field of ocean science.

AI and the Ocean:

How Artificial Intelligence is Mapping our Ocean’s Future

By Dr. Nick Record

Artificial Intelligence is all over the news these days, but there’s less coverage on how the technology might be applied to further science. Bigelow Laboratory researchers, though, are already leveraging artificial intelligence to create new tools – and improve existing ones – to forecast ocean conditions and protect coastal communities. Join Nick Record, senior research scientist and director of the Tandy Center for Ocean Forecasting at Bigelow Laboratory, as he discusses some of the potential applications of AI, like creating an early warning system for harmful algal blooms, and the challenges of using the technology for ocean forecasting.

Innovation through Collaboration:

The Power of Science and Business Partnerships to Advance the Blue Economy

By Dr. Mike Lomas

An increasing number and variety of businesses, in industries from medicine to manufacturing, have begun exploring a wide range of uses for algae. Partnerships between scientists and businesses can spur innovation in both directions, advancing algae science and helping turn ideas into marketable products and solutions to societal challenges. Senior Research Scientist Mike Lomas is the director of the Center for Algal Innovations and the National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota, two facilities at Bigelow Laboratory that provide services and support for companies exploring algal applications. Join Lomas as he discusses the process and benefits of developing relationships with business partners.

Coast-Cow-Consumer:

Using Algae to Reduce the Dairy Carbon Hoofprint and Build Rural Prosperity

By Dr. Nichole Price

Milk is one of the world's most valuable agricultural commodities. But, with more than 270 million dairy cows across the globe, it comes with a significant carbon “hoofprint," from chemically-manufactured fertilizers to manure to the methane cows naturally ‘burp’ during digestion. For decades, dairy farmers have sought solutions to reduce their environmental impact while operating on slim profit margins. Algae-based cattle feed additives are a growing, climate-friendly industry that holds the promise of profitability for dairy farmers and the working waterfront alike. Join Senior Research Scientist Nichole Price as she presents emergent research and an exciting new approach to sustainable aqua-terra food systems and climate mitigation.