Bling is the Thing

Late last month, 450 of New York’s top business and community leaders gathered to discuss important topics such as the need to engage our youth in the sciences, the challenge of mitigating climate change, the direction of our nation’s educational system, and … how to create your own bling.

Using an LED and a battery, the Create-Your-Own-Bling project was a big hit at this year’s Evening of Science and Inspiration, NYSCI’s annual fundraising gala, which raised $1 million to support NYSCI’s research and programs. Using a theme of Design, Make, Play, the evening included activities such as building paper air dancers, writing laser graffiti, and doodling in the dark.

This year’s honorees included Google, which received the Vision & Benture Award for bold corporate vision to establish a creative corporate environment for achievement in science and technology; Kevin Parker, head of Deutsche Bank Global Asset Management, who received the Global Science Award for world-renowned excellence in engineering, technology and visionary leadership; and John Slaughter, the first African-American director of the National Science Foundation and former CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, who was awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award for transformation, ingenuity and excellence in science.

Recent Press

NYSCI has been the focus of much media interest over the past month. Just this week, the Daily News reported on the $2 million award we received from Google to launch the Global Science Technology Initiative. Earlier this month, the Daily News also covered the kickoff planning meeting for World Maker Faire 2011.

The New York Times featured NYSCI’s Science Playground in an April 15 article about the most extraordinary play spaces in New York City. And the April 23 edition of the Times quoted both Margaret Honey and Maker Faire’s Dale Dougherty in an article about online instructions for do-it-yourself kits.