Basic science research seeks to improve our understanding of the world, without any direct, obvious application. Much of it is funded by government grants, including those from the National Science Foundation.  That funding may soon face cuts. How much do we spend on such research, what is the rationale, and what might be the implications of such cuts? We'll discuss these issues, and examples of basic research in action with Professor Meghan Duffy of LSA's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (who spoke recently on this topic at the national March for Science) and Professor Kristin Koutmou of the Department of Chemistry.

Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current science topics with experts in an informal setting.  Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; program 6:00-7:30 p.m.