Blog Post

Argonne Fuels Energy Start-ups

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Argonne National Laboratory is accelerating more than protons these days. Through its Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) entrepreneurship program, Argonne is accelerating the development of new businesses that are tackling the challenges of producing and conserving energy with new, cost effective and environmentally-sustainable technologies. Argonne is located in Lemont, Illinois, west of Chicago. It is owned by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) and operated by the University of Chicago. It is one of the largest and most scientifically diverse research centers in the world. The CRI program is supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Office within DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

This summer, with the first four startups graduating from the program, CRI innovators have raised about $12.4 million in funding as of Aug. 1, 2019. Out of that total, more than $5 million has come from private equity sources, and the rest has some from various organizations – including DOE – that offer open funding opportunities.

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Event

How to Communicate Facts in the Era of Fake News – SOLD OUT

Scientific literacy remains low among the U.S. adult population, resulting in an ever-growing divide in our society. C2ST wants to change that. This Chicago Ideas Week Lab is all about how to communicate complicated material in digestible chunks that expand understanding and facilitate more productive conversations. Through a series of collaborative exercises and activities, C2ST will demonstrate how good public speaking can elevate the effectiveness of your communication strategies. Bring an engagement initiative unique to your goals and by the end of this Lab you’ll have a fully formed plan for how to articulate your message with success.

Weren’t able to get a ticket before they sold out? Join us online for a live stream of the event here.

C2ST in the News

Give Time, Things, Support: 7 Ways to Give Back Around Chicago

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By Lily Yu

Originally published at: https://better.net/chicago/philanthropy/get-involved/give-time-things-support-ways-give-back-around-chicago/

Your family is probably soon headed back to a school-year schedule, but don’t let the busyness of a new academic year leave you without time for others. Consider adding these volunteer and give-back opportunities to your calendar.

Give Time

Reading Power

This organization knows that “all children deserve to reach their intellectual potential.” That’s why they offer one-on-one tutoring to kids in pre-K through 2nd grade at underserved schools. Reading Power is increasing its program and is in need of more tutors. Learn more about becoming a tutor and fill out the Tutor Application.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

If you have an extra hour to spare, sign up for a repack session and take the time to repack large quantities of food into individual servings so that it can be redistributed to food pantries for those in need. If you’re feeling especially competitive, have a friendly competition between you and your friends to see who can repack the most within the given time. You’ll be surprised to see how fast time flies and how much can get accomplished.

 

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Event

Trailblazer of Physics: The Extraordinary Life of Leon Lederman

Watch the event here!

This event will highlight Dr. Lederman’s contributions to science research at Fermilab and beyond, science education, and science outreach.

Dr. Leon Lederman was a Nobel prize-winning physicist with a passion for science education. He served as the director of Fermilab from 1979 to 1989. In 1992, he moved to the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he chose to teach freshman physics. He retired in 2011. With a career that spanned more than 60 years, Lederman, who passed away last year, became one of the most important figures in the history of particle physics. He was responsible for several breakthrough discoveries, uncovering new particles that elevated our understanding of the fundamental universe. His Nobel Prize was awarded in 1988 for discovery of the muon neutrino. But perhaps his most critical achievements were his influence on the field of physics and his efforts to improve science education. In later years, Lederman continued his outreach efforts, often in memorable ways. Sometimes, he would even set up shop on the streets of New York City and Chicago, and answer science questions from passersby.

Through his research, Lederman set the stage for Fermilab’s past and future success. The international Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, hosted by Fermilab, is an international flagship science project to unlock the mysteries of neutrinos. By studying neutrinos, particles at the heart of Dr. Lederman’s work, scientists at Fermilab and across the world will paint a clearer picture of the universe and how it works. This will be the largest science experiment ever hosted on U.S. soil.

During this celebration of Dr. Lederman’s legacy, expect a variety of physics-themed discussions and events, including a Physics Slam and an Ask-a-Physicist panel!

A Physics Slam is a fun competition that pairs a student from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (co-founded by Dr. Lederman) with a Fermilab scientist. Expect a no-holds-barred, light-hearted competition. Who will the audience choose as the winner?

In the spirit of his outreach efforts, the program also will have an Ask-a-Physicist panel. A team of scientists will take questions from the audience, in the same informal style of Dr. Lederman taking questions from people in Chicago and New York City.

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