Illinois Science Council

04/30/2026

So impressed with our stats! We had 1,262 observers make over 15 THOUSAND observations!
There’s been 759 identifiers so far. Will you join us Wednesday May 6th to increase that?!? Details at the link in bio.

04/15/2026

We are looking forward to another City Nature Challenge this month! After you’ve made all those Observations, join us for some citizen science Identification networking by bringing your device to District Brew Yards May 6th at 6pm!
Link in bio for details.

03/12/2026

This Saturday, 3.14 or "Pi Day" is the birthday of Albert Einstein, the genius who famously said "Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater." The best way to celebrate science, math, and pie is to join ISC's 12th Pi Day "Pi K" 3.14-mile Fun Run/Walk Saturday morning along the Chicago River. Reserve your spot NOW at http://PiDayRun.org as registration price goes up at midnight tonight. 𝛑 🥧

02/03/2026

PiDay fun run is back!
Run or Walk 3.14 on 3/14

In Person: Come to Clark Park on the Chicago River at 3400 N Rockwell St. between 9-9:20am for the run start at 9:30am.

Virtual: Pi & Pie Fans anywhere can join in. If you aren’t in Chicago, register wherever you are and we will send you the Pi K t-shirt!

Register by 2/24 to get this year’s P*K t-shirt mailed to you by March 14 to wear on Pi Day.

Link in bio

 

01/05/2026

Today is the 20th anniversary of the date Illinois Science Council was incorporated. Coincidentally, a fantastic piece posted by Robin Schoenthaler popped up as a Facebook memory from 5 years ago. The post was right in the middle of the pandemic, shortly after vaccine dissemination. It's easy, and tempting, to forget the pandemic's details and what was learned but it's really important to read and remember. (Will paste Robin’s whole post in the comments.) The final paragraph is *shockingly* relevant today. As ISC – and really the entire science community – face a critical turning point right now, it feels like this bit should be read every morning:

"What we do know is that the science will keep going. The science is neutral: it doesn’t care who is President. The science is a slow swing towards the truth; it doesn’t read a calendar. The science is the triumph of logic and reason and the wonders of the human brain over superstition and anecdote. The science is what will save us."

11/10/2025

Today is Carl Sagan's birthday. His observation about our society sums up why IL Science Council was created, and is still needed.

08/13/2025

Enjoy drinks and good conversation with other science fans! Whether you work in science (or were until this administration) or just are interested in science discoveries and research, it’s a great time to meet like-minded folks!

Share your thoughts on all things science — outreach, funding, communication, publications, research, and more.

Want to share the latest cool science-y thing you learned? Join us!
Want to vent (and perhaps strategize) about the cuts to NIH, NSF, EPA? Join us!
Want to meet others who happen to like science? Join us!
Want to possibly get involved in science outreach in Chicago? Join us!!

Tuesday, August 19th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm-ish
Green Eye Lounge, 2403 W Homer, Chicago 60647
Registration is not required, but much appreciated
FREE (donations welcome! :-) but you’re responsible for your own drinks
Green Eye doesn’t serve food but you’re welcome to bring/order in. There are lots of food options nearby.

12/04/2024

Check out our friends ChiTown Bio this week, two opportunities!

🎉 ChiTownBio is OPEN!

We’re thrilled to announce the soft opening of Chicago’s first community biotech lab! Whether you’re passionate about biotechnology, curious about hands-on science, or just looking for a place to connect with like-minded individuals, we’ve got something for everyone this December.

📅 Mark your calendars for these exciting events:

🧪 Biotech Fermenter – Dec 4th, 7 PM
Location: 6634 N. Clark St.

Co-hosted with Chientist, connect with Chicago’s biotech professionals and explore our new lab space at 6634 N. Clark St.

🎉 ChiTownBio Open House – Dec 7th, 12 PM
Location: 6634 N. Clark St.

Come explore our lab, participate in interactive activities, and learn how to get involved with ChiTownBio.

🌱 Biomaterials Workshop — Dec 14th, 12 PM
Location: 6634 N. Clark St.

Discover innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution with hands-on experiments in bioplastics and algae-based materials.

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Follow us here for updates and RSVP on Meetup! Let’s build the future of biotech together.

11/18/2024

See ya tonight!

Join me at "Building a Circular Economy using Biology" -- Network with Science Enthusiasts https://meetu.ps/e/NDMX0/wpRWg/i

HAPPENING TODAY AT 6 PM

Join AWIS, the Chicago Council on Science and Technology, Chientist, ChiTownBio, and the Illinois Science Council for an evening of networking, socializing, and science.

Featuring a talk by Marilene Pavan about using biology to remove fossil fuels from manufacturing and create a more circular economy. Doors at Half Sour will open at 6:00 with the talk kicking off at 6:30. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

REGISTER HERE >>>> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/network-with-science-enthusiasts-tickets-1054128028309?aff=oddtdtcreator

Registration is not required but is appreciated.

Association for Women in Science (AWIS) ChiTown Bio CHIentist Illinois Science Council