Science on Screen is a unique film and discussion series that brings together cinema and science for an engaging, thought-provoking experience. Through carefully selected films and expert-led conversations, the series explores the science behind the stories we love—making complex ideas accessible, entertaining, and relevant to everyday life.
Presented in partnership with leading organizations and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Science on Screen events pair classic and contemporary films with insightful commentary from scientists, authors, and industry experts. Each screening invites audiences to see familiar stories in a new light while sparking curiosity and conversation.
Whether you’re a film lover, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a different kind of night out, Science on Screen offers something for everyone.
Part One: Imagining the Future
Kick off the series with Imagining the Future, an evening centered around one of the most influential science fiction films ever made—2001: A Space Odyssey.
This special event features a screening of Stanley Kubrick’s visionary masterpiece, followed by an engaging discussion with special guest Alan Lightman, an acclaimed physicist, author, and educator known for bridging the gap between science and the humanities.
Together, the film and discussion will explore how science fiction shapes our understanding of technology, space exploration, and the future of humanity. From artificial intelligence to the vast unknowns of the universe, this event invites audiences to reflect on how imagination and science work hand in hand to define what comes next.
Join us for an unforgettable evening that challenges the way we think about the future—and our place in it.
Part Two: Unseen and Underestimated
The Science on Screen series continues with Unseen and Underestimated: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Identity in STEM, an inspiring and timely evening that highlights the untold stories behind some of history’s most important scientific achievements.
The event features a screening of Hidden Figures, the critically acclaimed film that tells the true story of three brilliant African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—whose work at NASA was instrumental in the success of early space missions. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era, the film shines a light on both their extraordinary contributions and the barriers they overcame in a field—and a society—that often overlooked them.
Following the film, guests will have the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion with special speakers JiaJia Dong and Adam Mair, who will explore the broader themes presented in the film. This conversation will dive deeper into the ongoing challenges and progress surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM fields, while also celebrating the voices and achievements that have too often gone unrecognized.
This event is more than just a movie screening—it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage with important conversations about representation in science and technology. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how identity shapes opportunity, innovation, and the future of STEM.
Join us for an evening that honors the past, challenges the present, and inspires the future.
