April 13, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Harold Washington Library Center, Multipurpose Room
Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA

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The Chicago Council on Science and Technology and Chicago Public Library present The Science of Pokemon! In the world of Pokemon, adventurous explorers – called Pokemon trainers – can travel far and wide, catching and cataloging fantastical creatures to fill out their Pokedex, a digital index of various pokemon species. While you can’t find a Pikachu in any of the viridian forests on Earth, Pokemon masters have a real-world counterpart in the form of scientists! Scientists can be found in every corner of the world, discovering new species and cataloging their unique characteristics. This real life data collection has become the foundation for the design of Pokemon themselves! We’ve brought a panel of experts from across the sciences to talk to us about the real-life plants and animals that Pokemon are based on. If you’ve ever wanted the chance to have a conversation with Professor Oak, this is the next best thing! We’ve gotta catch them all!

Wild Science Encounters: Beyond the Pokeball

In the world of Pokemon, adventurous explorers- called Pokemon trainers- can travel far and wide, catching and cataloging fantastical creatures to fill out their Pokedex, a digital index of various pokemon species. While you can’t find a Pikachu in any of the viridian forests on Earth, Pokemon masters have a real-world counterpart in the form of scientists! Scientists can be found in every corner of the world, discovering new species and cataloging their unique characteristics. This real life data collection has become the foundation for the design of Pokemon themselves! We’ve brought a panel of experts from across the sciences to talk to us about the real-life plants and animals that Pokemon are based on. If you’ve ever wanted the chance to have a conversation with Professor Oak, this is the next best thing! We’ve gotta catch them all!

March 4, 2026
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Perlstein Hall, Room 131; 10 West 33rd Street, Chicago, IL, USA
Perlstein Hall, West 33rd Street, Chicago, IL, USA

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In today’s world, bold innovation is not just desirable, it’s essential for a sustainable future. Join Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, as she shares her journey transforming “impossible” ideas into global solutions for the circular carbon economy. This inspiring talk explores the intersection of perseverance, daring to dream big, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to rethink how we obtain, use, and dispose of carbon. Read more…

December 11, 2025
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Half Acre Beer Co.

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Curious about the science behind your favorite brews? Want to learn how the beloved ‘Daisycutter Pale Ale’ from Half Acre Beer Co. is made?

Join C2ST for an exciting evening of science, beer flights, and great food at Half Acre Beer Co. during our Annual Fall Social! This in-person event is your chance to dive into the fascinating science of beer-making! Connect with fellow science lovers in a fun atmosphere, while enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicago’s most acclaimed breweries.

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November 3, 2025
5:30 pm

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St. Chicago, IL 60605
Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library, South State Street, Chicago, IL, USA

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Join C2ST and the National Science Policy Network for a conversation with policymakers, legal experts, and researchers as we explore AI’s influence on medicine and the crucial role science policy plays in shaping its future. You’ll have the chance to engage with the experts and share your own questions and insights.

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October 29, 2025
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

5800 N Ravenswood Ave, Rosehill Cemetery - East Enterance

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Second Annual Twilight Nature Walk at Rosehill Cemetery

Join the Chicago Council on Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 29th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the second annual Twilight Nature Fest at Rosehill Cemetery, an evening of nature exploration under the autumn twilight.

Come learn about the diverse plants and wildlife that call this space home and discover how ecosystems adapt and flourish amidst city life. This special event will feature guided nighttime walks led by experts from the Illinois Audubon Society, Insect Asylum, West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council, and the Chicago Mushroom Club, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wildlife and ecosystems of this historic cemetery after dark. Some walks will be available for a small fee due to the limited amount of spots available. Or do a self-guided tour through the many stations of exploration set up near the entrance and the interesting graves and points of history throughout the grounds, for free!

Get up close to owls, hawks, and falcons during a live meet-and-greet session with the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab, or stop by the UV mushroom table, where Chicago Mushrooms will demonstrate the glowing effects of UV-reactive fungi. Explore hands-on activity and education tables throughout the event, hosted partners include the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and West Ridge Nature Park.