Science Fair: Public Health and Archaeology Events Announced

Upcoming lectures, blood drives, and astronomy nights on Columbia's campus

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Columbia University is hosting a variety of science-focused events in the coming weeks, including a blood drive, a lecture on the politics of the human body, an archaeology discussion on the Nakba, and a public astronomy night with trivia and stargazing.

Why it matters

These events provide opportunities for the Columbia community and the general public to engage with important scientific topics, from public health to cultural heritage preservation. They highlight the university's commitment to interdisciplinary learning and making academic research accessible.

The details

The events include an ongoing blood drive hosted by the New York Blood Center on April 6, a lecture on 'Natural Bodies: American Body Politics' on April 7, a discussion on 'From Memory to Place: An Archaeology of the Nakba' on April 10, and a 'Public Astronomy Night' also on April 10 featuring a talk, trivia, and stargazing.

  • The blood drive is taking place on Monday, April 6 from 10am to 4pm.
  • The 'Natural Bodies' lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 from 12:30pm to 2pm.
  • The 'From Memory to Place' archaeology discussion is set for Friday, April 10 from 4:30pm to 6pm.
  • The Public Astronomy Night is happening on Friday, April 10 from 7pm to 9pm.

The players

New York Blood Center

A nonprofit organization that collects and distributes blood and blood products to hospitals in the New York metropolitan area.

Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life

A research center at Columbia University that explores the intersections of religion, culture, and public life.

Mazen Iwaisi

An archaeologist who will be discussing the Nakba, the displacement of Palestinians in 1948, and an upcoming interdisciplinary project.

Brian Boyd

An archaeologist who will be joining Mazen Iwaisi to discuss the Nakba and the 'From Memory to Place' project.

Matthew Lundy

A Columbia professor who will be giving a talk on cosmic rays at the Public Astronomy Night.

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What’s next

The Columbia Center for Archaeology hosts Friday Open Lab hours in 954 Schermerhorn Extension where students can come in to learn more about the discipline and look at interesting artifacts.

The takeaway

These diverse science events at Columbia demonstrate the university's commitment to public engagement and interdisciplinary learning, providing the community opportunities to explore topics ranging from public health to cultural heritage.