BALL Events Archive
| Title | Description | Date |
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Small is Big: Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine Read more |
There has been a significant push in recent years toward the development of new ways to produce and store energy, generate interesting and useful materials and to diagnose and fight disease, by harnessing the potential of things at the nanoscale. There is certainly a lot of potential and a lot of buzz around all things “nano”. But what is really going on? This lecture provides an overview of several nanotechnology and nanomedicine examples and explores the opportunities, challenges and pitfalls of going small to tackle big problems.
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Mar 13 2017 |
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Climate Change: Around the World and Here at Home Read more |
Climate change is now the greatest challenge facing our civilization. The scientific consensus is clear: human activities have pushed atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations higher than it has been for millions of years. We are now entering a domain beyond human experience. Evidence of our changing climate is all about us, most notably by rising insurance costs and disruptions due to extreme weather. I will describe what climate change is and review the most recent scientific results on global warming. I will show how our climate is changing here, where we live. I will discuss some of the predicted impacts on our planet and on our societies. I will introduce you to the ‘Six Americans' and discuss why so few among us are concerned about the changes that are coming. Is it too late? No, there is still time on the Carbon Clock. Is there anything we can do? Yes, we can become more resilient. |
Nov 7 2016 |
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Special Lecture - Patterns of Change: The Arctic in the Modern Era Read more |
Profound changes are affecting the Arctic today. The ecology is facing dramatic change as the climate warms. Social structures have evolved rapidly for the Inuit, from a nomadic culture to one that is now characterized by urban communities, with attendant challenges and problems. The Arctic has become an important focus for national geopolitical gamesmanship. What is happening in the Arctic today will have significant ramifications on the national and global scene for years to come. For many Canadians it is still a land that is largely unknown. This lecture provides an overview of this remarkable place, its landscapes, its people, its challenges and its promise for the future. |
Feb 25 2016 |
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Special Lecture - Ukraine, the West and Russia: Where do We Stand Now? Read more |
Much has happened since April 2014 when Professor Black spoke to BALL members about the crisis in Ukraine. This address will serve partly as an update and partly as an explication of the international manifestations of the crisis. What are the temporary and permanent consequences of the tragic events in Ukraine -- for Ukraine and for its neighbours? Have international alignments shifted? Has it impacted the much heralded 'global economy' ? Have sanctions vs. Russia worked? Will anyone benefit? Will everyone lose? So many more questions; so few answers -- so much to think about! |
Oct 19 2015 |
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Human Adaptation Over Time Read more |
Humanity has used the land on which they live very differently over the time they have inhabited the Earth and this use has mostly been dictated by environmental conditions. This series explores how humanity has adapted to and altered the climate over time. It concludes with a look at the climate change we currently face. Series Coordinators: Joan Corbett-Fujiki & Ellen Lewis |
Feb 25 2021 to Apr 8 2021 |
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The History of Grey & Bruce Counties: A Fresh Look Read more |
All lectures in this series will be presented only as Zoom Webinars. This lecture series was to begin, unconventionally, with a group of musicians, story-tellers and actors named Métissage who would have told the lesser known history of our area. Social distancing problems put that presentation out-of-reach for now, however, Dr Pucan begins this series with a fascinating story of newly discovered wax cylinders holding music and stories from the past. The other five lectures focus on Indigenous people who have lived here for millennia and then the waves of settlers and refugees who have arrived to inhabit what many of us now call Grey and Bruce Counties. Series Coordinators: Joan Irvine, Carol Mair, Joan Corbett-Fujiki & Gord Edwards |
Jan 7 2021 to Feb 11 2021 |
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World Religions Read more |
Religion shapes. It shapes global affairs, national politics, your neighbours and perhaps even yourself. Come explore some of the world’s major religions. Religions do not just speak of theology – they teach us about history, about power and about how rituals and bodily practices contour our internal lives. They also illuminate how groups form and identity emerges, and will even shed light on secularism, individualism and the nation-state. Pull up a chair.
Series Coordinators: Joan Corbett-Fujiki & Ellen Lewis
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Oct 29 2020 to Dec 3 2020 |
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Intelligent Machines: Are We Ready? Read more |
Robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are already having a major impact on our lives. Lecturers in this series will give their professional perspectives on what we can expect today and in the future.
Series Cordinators: Joan Irvine, Carol Mair, Gord Edwards, Lynne Celhoffer, Bill Celhoffer
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Mar 5 2020 to Apr 9 2020 |
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The Mongolian Chronicles – Eagles, Demons & Empires Read more |
This lecture series is based on Allen Smutylo’s recent travels to Mongolia. The talks will include excerpts from his forthcoming book – tentatively titled, Eagles, Demons and Empires: The Mongolian Chronicles – other written accounts, historical research, avian biology, original artwork, a full-length film, photographs (personal and historic), and creative musings. Series Coordinators: Joan Irvine and Gord Edwards
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Jan 16 2020 to Feb 20 2020 |
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Building Resilience in Our Changing World Read more |
Our earth has entered a period where human activities are destabilizing planetary systems, including climate. The effects of this change are global, long-term and uncertain. Universities, research institutes, governments and communities are exploring how best to build resilience and adaptation to cope with the coming changes. What are some key findings? Series Coordinators: Gord Edwards and Judy Mapleson
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Oct 31 2019 to Dec 5 2019 |