FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Science and Technology are the Stars this Thursday at the Adler Planetarium

Some of Chicago’s political and business leaders will be joining top scientists and philanthropists to celebrate science and technology in Chicago today–this Thursday, June 14, at the Adler Planetarium. Chicago Council on Science and Technology will host its second annual gala fundraiser, Science in the Second City, at 6:30 p.m.

Cosmologist Rocky Kolb, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago, and former director of the particle astrophysics center at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, will be discussing exoplanets, planets outside of the solar system that appear to be Earth-like and capable of supporting life. Joining him will be Jacob Bean, a fellow University of Chicago cosmologist.

The event, emceed by Emmy-Award winning Fox-News Meteorologist Tammy Souza, will honor several individuals and organizations that have advanced science and technology in Chicago. Paul Knappenberger, President of the Adler Planetarium, has served on numerous science and education associations, including NASA’s Space Science Advisory Committee. Knappenberger chaired the Museum Partners group of the Chicago Systemic Initiative, part of a nationwide effort focusing on systemic improvement of math and science instruction in schools. The Illinois Institute of Technology and its President, John Anderson, will also be recognized, for providing distinctive and relevant education in scientific and technological knowledge creation and innovation. Robert Kress, COO of Internal IT at Accenture, will be honored for Accenture’s contributions to identifying new business and technology trends and solutions.

Joining the celebration will be the City of Chicago’s newly-named Chief Information Officer, Brett Goldstein. Before coming to City Hall as Chief Data Officer, Goldstein founded and directed the Chicago Police Department’s Predictive Analytics Group, which aims to predict when and where crime will happen. Joining him in representing the city will be 20th Ward Alderman Willie Cochran, 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts and 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith.

Also in attendance will be José Francisco Salgado, an astronomer and visual artist at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and Executive Director of KV 265, a non-profit organization whose mission is the communication of science through art. His work has included an Emmy-nominated TV news segment, films, and collaborations with world-class symphony orchestras.

Other attendees include a delegation from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, and the President of the Illinois Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carol Baker.

Please join Chicago Council on Science and Technology at Science in the Second City on Thursday, June 14 at the Adler Planetarium and Astrology Museum; from 6:30 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.c2st.org/science-in-the-second-city, or contact Andrea Poet at apoet@c2st.org, or 773/505-6007