University Library System and the Morehouse Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences present a series of four focused discussions that explore the question, “What does it mean to be curious?” Curiosity is an essential part of what it means to be human. From Leonardo Da Vinci to Ernst Haeckel to James Turrell, artists and scientists have long collaborated to shape our understanding of what it means to be curious. This fruitful conversation between the humanities and the sciences continues to teach us new ways to formulate questions, conduct research, build narratives, discover, and explore.

But what does it mean to be curious in the 21st century? How can we as artists, scientists, educators, and explorers encourage curiosity in ourselves and those around us? Can curiosity be learned? Can it be taught? By engaging diverse voices from our University community and beyond, we will facilitate discussion-based events focus on the following questions:

1. What is curiosity and can it be learned? (November 18)
2. Can sites cultivate curiosity? (December 10)
3. Can tools enable curiosity? (February 17)
4. What is curiosity in action? (April 6)

The second session will feature Richard Pell (CMU/Center for PostNatural History), Kirk Savage (History of Art and Architecture), Steve Tonsor (Carnegie Museum of Natural History), and Barbara Weissberger (Studio Art).

Locations will be revealed to those who RSVP! For more information, and to RSVP, see here, or contact Kate Joranson for more information at k.joranson@pitt.edu.

This event is also sponsored by the University Library System, the Department of Biological Sciences, the Humanities Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.