First Friday: Start Talking Science
Want to know what really happens in a laboratory? Want to meet scientists doing cutting-edge research in physics, medicine, biochemistry, and more? Then let’s Start Talking Science!
This First Friday, you’ll meet dozens of researchers from local universities, presenting innovative projects and answering your questions live. Stop in our museum, open late until 7pm, to explore the history of science education and try out cool, quirky, and engaging science toys and games. Indulge your inner nerd, bring your curiosity, and join us for a fun-filled evening of everything STEM!
Agenda
4:15 | Othmer Library Tour
5pm | Museum activities and poster sessions
7pm | Event ends
Othmer Library Tour
We are now giving public tours of our research library every First Friday! Come by before the event at 4:15pm to get a behind-the-scenes look upstairs at the resources and archives available to all scientifically curious minds. Registration is not required, but space is limited. Learn more here.
About Start Talking Science
Start Talking Science is a free public event where STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) researchers present nontechnical posters to the community. We aim to increase public awareness of—and interest in—cutting-edge, local research in order to make STEM more accessible. We hope to foster insightful conversations and connections while strengthening the communication skills of researchers.
Start Talking Science is presented in partnership with Drexel University and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute.
About First Fridays
Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.
First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.
More events
Stories of Science: CollegeFest 2026
All Philadelphia-area college students are invited to visit us during CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual “Welcome to Philadelphia” celebration!
Gender Minorities in the Sciences Panel
Scientists share their experiences and strategies for advancing equity and inclusion in STEM across gender-diverse communities.
Fireworks Tour
Join our museum educators for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.