NHMU’s 20th Annual Lecture Series to Explore the Big Impact of Small-Scale Science 

Starting March 17, Lectures Will Feature Renowned Experts Specializing in "The Science of Small Things"

Salt Lake City, January 29, 2026 — Starting March 17, the Natural History Museum of Utah’s (NHMU) annual Lecture Series will return for its 20^th edition to explore “The Science of Small Things,” with appearances from renowned scientists and storytellers who examine small subjects with surprisingly large significance. 

Each year, NHMU’s Lecture Series delivers a multifaceted exploration of a new theme through the voices of thought leaders, scientists, and experts of different disciplines. In 2026, the theme “The Science of Small Things” was selected for its connection to NHMU’s newest special exhibition, Bug World, which immerses guests in the tiny world of insects. The theme also acknowledges a growing public awareness of the big impacts of microscopic bacteria, microplastics, invertebrates, and other small subjects.  

“From microplastics that have invaded every aspect of our planet to unseen organisms that impact global life, we’re delving into an inspiring series of thought-provoking lectures featuring scientists who study the outsized significance of their small subjects,” said Jason Cryan, Ph.D., The Sarah B. George Executive Director of NHMU. 

The 2026 Lecture Series lineup will be headlined by keynote speaker Anand Varma, a biologist, award-winning photographer, and National Geographic Explorer, who is the founder of WonderLab, a one-of-a-kind storytelling studio based in Berkeley, California. Varma has grown to fame for his efforts in advancing photography and videography techniques to better visualize often-unseen wonders of the world. His keynote lecture will be held at Kingsbury Hall on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. 

Other lectures will include appearances by scientist and author Rob Dunn, Ph.D., who will speak March 17 in Salt Lake City and March 18 in West Jordan; microbiologist Bonnie Bassler, Ph.D., who will offer two lectures on March 24 in Salt Lake City and March 25 in West Jordan; and an expert roundtable on microplastics featuring Abigail Barrows, Matthew Campen, Ph.D., and Sally Rocks, Ph.D., that will happen April 14 in Salt Lake City. All lecture details, dates, and times are available at nhmu.utah.edu/LectureSeries. 

NHMU’s Lecture Series has been inspiring and educating audiences in Salt Lake City for decades, including past themes like “The Science of Intelligence,” “Frontlines of Archaeology,” “Food,” “Trailblazing Women in Science,” and “Bioinspired Design.” Speakers of note have included neuroscientist and author David Eagleman, ecologist and author Suzanne Simard, journalist Ed Yong, psychologist Steven Pinker, explorer and paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi, urban revitalization strategist Majora Carter, astronaut Mae Jemison, architect and designer Neri Oxman, TV personality Andrew Zimmern, and astronauts Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly.  

The 2026 Lecture Series is made possible by generous support from the Founding Underwriter, the R. Harold Burton Foundation, with additional support from the Underwriter, the Cultural Vision 30 Year Endowment Fund. Gold Sponsors include Karen and Ken Buchi, Curt and Mary Crowther, the M Lazy M Foundation, and Rio Tinto Kennecott. Silver Sponsors include The DiFiore Family Foundation, Diana George, the MSL Foundation, and Paula Swaner Sargetakis and Joe Sargetakis at Frog Bench Farms. Community Partners include The County Library’s Viridian Event Center, Pictureline, and Kingsbury Hall. Institutional support is provided by Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks. 

As in past years, tickets to all lectures except the keynote are free with advance registration. Tickets for the keynote lecture can be purchased through Kingsbury Hall. All details, dates, prices, and registration links can be found at nhmu.utah.edu/LectureSeries. Lectures sell out well in advance, so advance registration is required.  

Media Contact 

Mark Johnston, NHMU Marketing Manager 

385-495-0051 | mjohnston@nhmu.utah.edu 

About the Natural History Museum of Utah    

The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. NHMU is Utah’s official state museum of natural history located at the University of Utah, and serves residents statewide through education programs, exhibitions, scientific research, and more. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing more than 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.