Trainings & Events

Coffee Talk is an adult lecture series designed by the Connecticut Science Center to fuel your brain and caffeinate your curiosity with intriguing topics and engaging presenters. The series begins on April 24^th and runs for 4 weeks every Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

PART I: Offshore Wind Energy, April 24, Presented by Kenneth Bowes: Offshore wind energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we power our lives with its abundant, sustainable energy. However, we must tackle some pesky obstacles, including soaring costs, slow-moving permitting processes, not-in-my-backyard opposition, wildlife impacts, and global supply chain woes. In this presentation, we will take you through the exhilarating journey of building an offshore wind farm and provide some exciting strategies for overcoming these challenges.

PART II: The Blue Economy, May 1, Presented by Colleen L. Bielitz, PhD: Dive into the exciting world of the Blue Economy - where the ocean’s resources are utilized sustainably to boost economic growth without compromising the ecosystem’s health. In this presentation, we will explore the fascinating concept of biomimicry - a design technique that takes inspiration from nature - and how it can be harnessed to develop innovative and eco-friendly solutions for managing ocean resources.

PART III: Talking Trash, May 8, Presented by Jackson Somers, PhD: Join us as we delve into the fascinating and oftentimes overlooked world of waste management. From garbage and recycling to the latest advances in tackling food waste, this discussion promises to shed light on the industry’s many challenges today. With a special focus on Connecticut, we will explore the innovative solutions being implemented right now and the exciting possibilities for the future.

PART IV: Our Climate & Our Land, May 15, Presented by Guiling Wang, PhD: Embark on a voyage through Earth’s dynamic ecosystems, where the interplay between climate change and land use unfolds in a compelling saga of resilience and adaptation. As these colossal forces collide, they sculpt our landscapes, providing challenges as well as opportunities for ecosystem services. From verdant rainforests to rugged mountainsides, each corner of our planet weaves a narrative of adaptation, highlighting the invincible essence of Mother Nature herself.

Ticket Prices:

$40 - Series Bundle Includes Mug Purchase by April 24

$12 - Individual Session

$8 - Coffee Talk Ceramic Mug

Each ticket includes the lecture, light refreshments, and a $5 parking voucher.

Tickets are available at CTScienceCenter.org or by calling 860-520-2104 or emailing [email protected].
 

A contributor to Worldwide Climate Justice & Education Week

A contributor to National Drive Electric Earth Month

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Central Connecticut State University
Student Center – Alumni Hall
Free & Open to the Public

Join the Central Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition as we examine challenges facing society regarding climate change. 

If you would like to have an exhibitor's table, please contact Dr. Charles Button by email, [email protected], or by phone, 860-832-2788.

The Central Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition (GESAC) invites you to learn and teach about the actions humans must take now to ensure that future generations will experience a life of peace, health, and harmony with our one and only home - Earth.
 

This conference began as a response to a recommendation by the Long Island Sound Assembly that there should be a venue where all of the current science relating to Long Island Sound could be presented.  The first Long Island Sound Research Conference occurred in 1992. 

The idea was to gather scientists and students from all of the relevant disciplines together, to present and synthesize a big picture of Long Island Sound science. Proceedings volumes were produced, and are still available from Sea Grant via the NOAA Central Library.

Historically, the conference was organized by the Long Island Sound Foundation until 2016, after which the Sea Grant programs of Connecticut and New York. shared in the responsibilities. 

Support for the Long Island Sound Research Conference is provided by the Long Island Sound Study.

Registration: $40 / $30 students
 

Our Spring into Summer 2024 event will take place at ;Wickham Park in Manchester on June 11 from 4 to 7 p.m.

We're coming full circle - back to the place where we celebrated those who participated in creating Sustainable CT with a "party in the park" in July, 2017. This year, in addition to celebrating the progress Connecticut communities have made over the years, we'll also be bidding farewell to our retiring executive director and founder, Lynn Stoddard. We’ll provide light fare and good cheer, and beautiful Wickham Park will provide the ambiance.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Join us in working for a better Connecticut. By sponsoring our Spring into Summer 2024 event, you'll align your company with our reputation as a trusted and valuable support program for municipal leaders and an innovative thought-leader in building livable communities. Don't wait: contact Lynn Stoddard,; 860-259-4729, to discuss options and details. And visit our Sponsor Us page to discover the many different ways you can support our work and mission.