Honeywell-Nobel Laureate Lecture Series Launched at Howard

The Honeywell - Nobel Laureate Lecture Series, the centerpiece of a global science education initiative designed to connect students across the globe with Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry and Physics, was launched at Howard University recently with a lecture to 250 undergraduate and graduate students by Dr. Ivar Giaever, recipient of the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physics. Howard University is one of 11 universities worldwide and only one of six in the United States selected for this initiative which connects university students with recipients of the world’s most prestigious award, the Nobel Prize.

In addition to Dr. Giaever’s interactive lecture highlighting the history of the Nobel Prize and a discussion on his views of scientific inquiry and discovery, the Nobel Laureate also interacted with middle school, undergraduate and graduate students. Students had the unique opportunity over the two-day period to glean from the accomplished scientist as they continue to experience the wonders of science and explore career possibilities in the sciences. Honeywell’s relationship with Howard University also includes scholarships, internships and job opportunities for graduates.

A multi-year effort, the Honeywell – Nobel Initiative combines on-campus events, interactive web content and broadcast programming to link one generation of leading scientists with the development of the next. The initiative will reach students at prestigious universities across the globe, including the Czech Republic, China, India and the United States.

“We are tremendously excited to partner with Honeywell in this initiative and to be able to access the numerous opportunities available to our students, faculty, staff, and neighboring community as a result,” said Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert.

Swygert said further that the need for more minority scholars in science and mathematics has been a longstanding challenge and one of the biggest reasons behind the University’s decision to establish a middle school on its campus. The collaboration with Honeywell on the Honeywell – Nobel Laureate Lecture Series furthers that mission by exposing area middle school students to the wonders of science, mathematics and technology through direct contact with one of the brightest minds of our time and is a significant step in the right direction.

“I am certainly very pleased that Howard is able to participate in this way and I know that all of this bodes well for the future,” he added.