Is science funny? For over 32 years, Marc Abrahams has proved unequivocally that the answer is yes. The Ig Nobel prize ceremony that he has conducted annually from the Harvard (his alma mater) and MIT campuses convincingly argue that it is as good to pursue science for humor as it is for discovery. The California Los Padres section of the American Chemical Society is thrilled to host an event with this world renowned author, scientist, mathematician, and entertainer. He is the editor and cofounder of the Annals of Improbable Research, a former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Irreproducible Results, creator of several mini-operas, and is the host and creator of the Ig Nobel Prize.
Please join us for a truly unique event where Marc will highlight the funniest of the Ig Nobels and reflect on a career that honors scientific achievement through humor. Light refreshments will be provided
Find Marc’s work at his web site, The Annals of Improbable Research:
Or at his Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ImprobableResearch
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, refreshments at 1:00, talk at 1:30
Place: Faulkner Main Gallery at the Santa Barbara Library
Address: 40 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Paid parking: 1115 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Cost: Free.
This event is at capacity, but standing room may be available. This event is open to the public.
Marc founded the Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony in 1991, and serves as master of ceremonies. The prizes — for achievements that make people LAUGH, then THINK — are handed out by genuine, bemused Nobel laureates in a gala event held every year at Harvard University or MIT (but online only, during the pandemic years 2020-2023), and broadcast on the web and on public radio. (The 1995 ceremony was one of the very first events ever webcast.) In 2022 the Ig Nobel Prize was itself given a prize: the Heinz Oberhummer award, for “outstanding science communication”.