Annual Events and Outreach
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and its departments and centers host community and special events, as well as engage with the public through regional partners to share the sciences throughout South Florida.
View the College's upcoming events .
College Community Events
Nat and Dorothy Hyman Science Lecture Series
The Nat and Dorothy Hyman (NDH) Science Lecture Series was made possible by Florida Atlantic alumnus, Jerry Hyman, son of Nat and Dorothy Hyman. The NDH Science Lecture Series was created to encourage and inspire students in the sciences, and provide access to educational lectures by leaders across the sciences for FAU students, faculty, and community members, free of charge. This lecture series is organized by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Learn more.
Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series
This longstanding lecture series is typically run each spring, and brings in experts from Florida Atlantic and beyond to discuss a wide variety of topics to explore the sciences with the community. It is our hope that these lectures move participants to deeper learning, explain the world, ignite discussions, and bring the richness of the sciences to a broader audience. Learn more.
Science Fest
Science Fest is organized by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science to celebrate the diversity of our scientific disciplines and the variety of contributions from our current faculty and students, as well as inspire the next generation of scientific problem solvers. The event fosters partnerships between the university, scientific organizations, and local schools and communities to promote science and the ideals of mutual respect and inclusion. All are welcome to enjoy science-related exhibitions, a student poster competition, interactive games, activities, and networking opportunities to connect with each other. Learn more.
College Outreach
Science Olympiad
During the spring semester the College hosts regional science tournaments for the Science Olympiad organization that brings hundreds of high school, middle school, and elementary school students to the Florida Atlantic Boca Raton campus. Other regional tournaments are also held at around the same time on university campuses all around the country. The event involves hands-on competitions that are technology, knowledge, and laboratory-based. Learn more.
External Community Events
The College participates in community events and activities, providing lectures, showcasing hands-on science exhibits, and more, including:
- Lake Worth Lagoon Fest
- Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale
- Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach
- Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami
- Manatee Lagoon: An FPL Eco Discovery Center in Riviera Beach
Department and Center Events and Outreach
Center for Environmental Studies
Riverwoods Field Laboratory
Located in the heart of the Kissimmee River Basin, the Riverwoods Field Laboratory (Riverwoods) provides a home and support for extensive research and educational activities related to the restoration of the Kissimmee River. The Kissimmee River serves as a living laboratory and model for river restoration on a global scale. Lessons learned here in the one of the world’s largest restoration efforts ever attempted underscore professional research activities while a comprehensive environmental education and research program targets secondary and post-secondary students, educators, university faculty, scientists, and environmental professionals. Learn more.
- Student Field Studies and Research Programs
- Eco-tours for Adults - Exploring the Kissimmee River
- Art in Nature
- Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP)
Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum
The Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum, located on the Jupiter campus of FAU, provides our local community with a unique opportunity to explore that connection. The Arboretum highlights our Florida ecosystems by featuring native trees and shrubs. Pathways wind their way through the landscape, inviting the local community to explore and enjoy this peaceful haven. The Arboretum provides a location for student research on campus, hosts community events, and volunteer opportunities. Learn more.
Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES)
CUES offers wide-ranging outreach activities as part of its research and public education mission, including providing the Visualizing Sea Level Rise Experiences in West Palm Beach. Learn more.
Department of Biological Sciences
FAU Marine Science Lab
The FAU Marine Science Lab at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center saw 243,518 visitors from May 2022-April 2023. Through a partnership with the City of Boca Raton, this unique lab is housed at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and has a viewing area that oversees the entire active lab space. The lab contains research from six faculty members in the College, who are studying sea grass to sea turtles. During sea turtle nesting season the lab can have over 100 sea turtle hatchlings. Learn more.
Department of Mathematical Sciences
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Combinatorics, Computing, Group Theory and Applications Conference
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Math Days
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FAU Young CryptograpHers Summer Camp
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Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Competition
Department of Physics
Pre-Health Professions Office
Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox
FAU Libraries, in partnership with the Schmidt College of Science, oversees the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox, one of the nation’s first multi-disciplinary, state of the art artificial intelligence (AI) labs located in a University Library. The space hosts numerous workshops, exhibitions, and seminars. Learn more.