Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series
Welcome to the 2026 Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series, hosted by the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. This season features engaging conversations with science experts across two critical frontiers: biotechnology, focusing on how we treat and understand disease (including heart, brain, and gut health, with an industry perspective on AI-driven drug discovery), and coral reef conservation, focusing on protecting our vital corals in South Florida. All lectures include interactive Q&A sessions. We hope these discussions expand your understanding of the world, inspire deeper learning, and ignite meaningful discussions.
Frontiers in Science has been hosted by the Schmidt College of Science for more than two decades and has become a pillar for communicating and engaging in the sciences within our community. We invite you join us and support the series as we explore the sciences together.
Panel Discussion Schedule
Unlocking the Code of Life: A Community Conversation on the Promises of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is revolutionizing the way we understand and treat diseases, moving beyond traditional medicine to harness the power of our own biology. This panel brings together leading experts to discuss the cutting-edge ways we are "unlocking the code of life" to improve human health. From nutrition-based digital health innovations and emerging tools for chronic disease prevention, advanced heart care to the future of brain repair and the AI-driven discovery of new medicines, this discussion will reveal how breakthroughs in the lab are rapidly translating into life-changing solutions for our community.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. panel discussion | 6:30-7:30 p.m. reception with refreshments
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
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Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University |
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Laura Fontenas, Ph.D.
Nicole Vitale, Ph.D., R.D.N.
John Piccone This is a free event and open to the public.
Saving Our Seas: On the Front Lines of Protecting Florida's Coral Reefs
Florida's coral reefs are invaluable natural treasures facing unprecedented threats from disease, climate change, and pollution. This critical discussion brings together leading scientists and conservation experts who are actively working to understand, treat, and rebuild these vital ecosystems. Join our panelists as they take you to the front lines of this crisis, sharing groundbreaking research on coral resilience, disease resistance, and innovative restoration techniques that are essential to securing the future of our oceans.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
| 5:30-6:30 p.m.
panel discussion | 6:30-7:30 p.m. reception with refreshments
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
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Director of the School of the Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability, and Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University |
Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University |
Research professor, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University |
Executive Director and CEO of the Reef Institute |
This is a free event and open to the public.
Panels Moderated By
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Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D. Dean and Professor, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Florida Atlantic University |
Email Sign-Up
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Location and Parking
FAU Student Union (UN-31)
Live Oak Pavilion (Room LO-31B)
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Click here for an interactive map
Driving Directions
Directions to the Florida Atlantic University Student Union
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I-95 North/South bound: exit at Glades Road and go east. FAU will be approximately 1/2 mile on the left.
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Florida's Turnpike North/South bound: exit at Glades Road and go east. FAU will be approximately 6 miles on the left.
Parking Map
Guests can park for free during this event. Parking can be found in Parking Garage 1 to the north of the Student Union.
Parking Garage 1
Sponsorship Opportunities
Frontiers in Science is made possible by the generous donations of our attendees. If you would like to support the series or make a gift to benefit our students, please contact Todd Clark at 561.297.2689 or email clarkt@fau.edu. Your tax-deductible gift may also be made with a check payable to FAU Foundation, Inc. Please include “Frontiers in Science” or “Science Student Support” in the memo line.
Presenting Sponsor ($5,000+)
- 2-3 minute presentation before speaker, and live “from stage” recognition from the Dean of the Schmidt College of Science, Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D.
- Half page recognition in the event program
- Prominent logo recognition on Frontiers in Science website, event emails, social media, and on-site event materials
- Opportunity for meeting with speaker or key faculty after event
Reception Sponsor ($2,500+)
- Recognition as presenting sponsor of Frontiers in Science during reception
- Half page recognition in the event program
- Prominent logo recognition on Frontiers in Science website, event emails, social media and on-site event material
- Live “from stage” recognition
Frontiers in Science Sponsor ($1,000+)
- Prominent logo recognition on Frontiers in Science website, event emails, social media and on-site event material
- Live “from stage” recognition
Support the Series
Frontiers in Science is made possible by the generous donations of our attendees. A donation of any amount is appreciated to assist this longstanding series continue for many future seasons. If you would like to support the series or make a gift to benefit our students, please contact Todd Clark at 561.297.2689 or email clarkt@fau.edu. Your tax-deductible gift may also be made with a check payable to FAU Foundation, Inc. Please include “Frontiers in Science” or “Science Student Support” in the memo line. Learn more about the various sponsorship levels available.
Checks can be mailed to:
FAU Foundation, Inc.
777 Glades Road, AD 10, Rm. 247
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
Select "Frontiers in Science" from the Designation dropdown menu.
Contact UsFor more information, contact scicomm@fau.edu. Past Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series
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Planning Committee
Valery Forbes, Ph.D., Committee Chair |
