Calendar of Events
Taking the Longview: How Long-Term Studies Shape Our Future
Scientific fields languish when deprived of new theories with testable predictions; however, many tests require data collected over enough time to answer questions. Although many scientists acknowledge the importance of long-term data and enjoy its benefits, few are willing to undertake such studies. By tracking changes over extended periods, researchers gain unprecedented insights into the dynamics of ecological communities, population fluctuations and the mechanisms driving evolutionary processes. Moreover, extended inquiries foster the discovery of breakthroughs that often emerge in serendipitous moments. In this two-week forum, Assistant Professor of Biology Daniel Hughes will provide an overview of long-term studies, including a natural history of the scientists who pioneered the longview approach to research. The first session will explore the ideas, people and legacies of long-term data, such as Jane Goodall’s 26-year-long career documenting wild chimpanzees and their culture and Peter and Rosemary Grant’s 40-year effort on Galapagos Finch evolution. Week two will cover specific studies, including the longest running ones that yielded the most impactful, and often surprising, results. These include Richard Lenski’s long-term experiment with 75,000 generations of bacteria, which showed it can evolve novel modes of metabolism, and Cyril Hopkins’ 100-year experiment on corn that began in 1896 and has now revolutionized our understanding of gene expression. As custodians of an Earth that is grappling with unprecedented challenges, embracing the commitment to long-term research will be paramount for resolving the mysteries of life and safeguarding the delicate balance of our interconnected world.
Thursday Forum is held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall. Each weekly session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45-9:15 AM, followed by the lecture until 11:30 AM. The presentations blend lecture, media such as film and music, and discussion.
Admission to each four-week forum series is $40. Admission to individual lectures and one- and two-week forums is $12 per week. Admission includes the lecture and morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or personal check. Credit card payments can be processed by registering online in advance at www.coe.edu/thursday-forum. For more information, visit the Thursday Forum website or call 319.399.8523.
In the event of inclement weather, consult local media outlets to find out if the day’s forum will take place.