First Atlanta Science Festival Set for 2014

ATLANTA, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Atlanta residents of all ages will celebrate the science and technology of the region and its impact on our daily lives during the inaugural Atlanta Science Festival, March 22-29, 2014.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130520/DC17172LOGO)

With scientists, engineers and educators from local museums, corporations, K-12 schools and universities, the festival will host more than 40 different events for children and adults at venues across the city.

The annual Atlanta Science Festival is a collaboration of scientific, educational, corporate, civic, cultural and community organizations led by founding partners:

• Emory University,
• Georgia Institute of Technology,
• The Atlanta Science Tavern and
• the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

"Whether you're a self-proclaimed science-lover or simply fascinated by the how the world works, we invite you to share in this celebration of 'the curious' in all of us," says Jordan Rose, the festival's managing director and associate director at the Emory College Center for Science Education. "There's something for everyone: comedy, art, poetry, food, lasers, stars, gardens, dinosaurs and more."

Participants will explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities, facility tours, stimulating presentations and riveting performances.

The festival week culminates with an Exploration Expo at Centennial Olympic Park on March 29, 2014, where more than 20,000 attendees are expected to enjoy interactive activities, workshops and performances.

"The Atlanta Science Festival is the perfect addition to Atlanta's ever-growing STEM community," says David Hartnett, festival chairperson and vice president of Bioscience-Health IT, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber. "The weeklong festival will link science with other fields of inquiry by connecting the arts, education and bioscience industry through showcasing Atlanta's rich and vibrant scientific and cultural landscape.  This inaugural science festival will demonstrate why Atlanta is a world leader in education and thought leadership."

The Atlanta Science Festival is important to the state's economic development. "By raising awareness of our local science assets, educational and employment opportunities, and by highlighting Georgia as a national and global leader in innovation, the festival aims to recruit new leaders to our workforce," says Rose. "The festival will expand our community of science enthusiasts and inspire a new generation of curious thinkers."

About Atlanta Science Festival

The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual weeklong celebration of local science and technology. Scientists and educators from local schools, museums, and companies will uncover mysteries and explain discoveries in hands-on activities, facility tours, stimulating presentations, and riveting performances at venues across the city.

Our mission is to celebrate the inherent integration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in our lives today, share the impact they have on our community, and inspire us all to wonder about our future. The Festival is produced by a collaboration of science, cultural, and educational institutions, led by Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the Atlanta Science Tavern, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Learn more at atlantasciencefestival.org

About Emory University

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Michael C. Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

Contact:
Beverly Clark, beverly.clark@emory.edu, 404-712-8780
Jordan Rose, jordan@atlantasciencefestival.org, 404-712-9242

SOURCE Emory University