CLSC Science Circle

Summer 2025

Science Themed Presentations

Welcome to the Chautauqua Science Group!

Live Presentations

Tuesday’s 9:15 am – 10:15 am

Hurlbut Sanctuary

at Pratt Avenue

Science matters. There should be no denying that fact, but the world has its unfair share of science deniers.  Together with the Chautauqua Institution, our band of rational, energetic humans can work together to promote the application of the scientific method to real world problems.  Let’s do it and let’s keep in touch thru this website.

Programs are offered free of charge. 

Donations are appreciated.

2025 Science Speakers Calendar

Week 1 • June 24

Wild Western New York: The Science Behind Conservation Lands Management

Josh Balisteri

Week 2 • July 1

Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Science of Comedy

Allison Hopper & Steve Pilloff

Week 3 • July 8

Beyond the Tipping Point: Mobilizing Climate Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Brian Webb

Week 4 • July 15

Saints in Astronomy

Mike Humphrey

Week 5 • July 22

Science and Professional Sports – Especially Baseball and Football

George Carlo

Week 6 • July 29

How Biological Sex and Gender Influence Health Care Outcomes- A Science-Based Primer to our Brain, Body, and Behavior

Jeannette Wolfe

Week 7 • August 5

Chemical Safety – Your Life May Depend on It

Bob Davidson

Week 8 • August 12

How the Human Brain Constructs Reality

John Curtis

Week 9 • August 19

Algae in all Seasons: Why Blooms Aren’t Just a Summer Problem

Allison Hrycik 

Chautauqua Science Circle YouTube Channel

Livestream on YouTube and explore presentations from past years.

NASA releases spectacular image to celebrate James Webb Space Telescope

The first anniversary image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope displays the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the closest star-forming region to Earth.

The CLSC Science Circle is part of the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle (CLSC) Alumni Group.

Our primary mission during the Chautauqua season is to promote an appreciation and deeper understanding of science, including how its methods and findings have evolved.  We also seek to take these lessons to the broader community throughout the year.

We are also known as the Chautauqua Science Group, a non-profit foundation incorporated in New York state.

If you wish to learn more about us or are interested in making a science presentation at Chautauqua,
please email:

[email protected]