Carnegie Science Day

A Special Day in Carnegie Science History

From revolutionizing breakthroughs in astrophysics, to advancing our understanding of planets—including Earth and the impact of human activity on its dynamic systems and cycles—and from undertaking bold, field defining research in symbiosis and community biology to advancing new breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture and energy, Carnegie Science has reliably stood at the forefront of scientific innovation.

As we reflect on our history, we can take pride in our long list of accomplishments, such as:

• The discovery of the expanding universe, made by staff scientist Edwin Hubble during his work at the Carnegie-built Mount Wilson Observatory, which laid the groundwork for the Big Bang theory and other crucial shifts in understanding the cosmos.   
• Groundbreaking research in genomics at Carnegie Science’s Biosphere Sciences and Engineering division, which is transforming our understanding of ecosystems and informing global sustainability and resiliency efforts.
• Bold leadership in global ecology and Earth and planetary sciences, where our researchers are making essential contributions to further our understanding of Earth’s story and of planetary formation in the far reaches of our galaxy and beyond.

This day will be an opportunity to not only honor these remarkable advancements, but also to anticipate the exciting future we continue to build together as a community.

Join us this year between January 22 and 29, as we ramp up to our commemoration of Carnegie Science Day.

• Explore our incredible legacy
• Bust common myths about our organization
• Highlight our amazing alumni and postdocs
• Dive into our groundbreaking research 

And you can show your support for cutting-edge science by donating to our birthday campaign. 

Mythbusters: Carnegie Science Edition

As part of our 123rd birthday celebration, were busting open some persistent myths about our organization. From our financial position to our geographic distribution, here are some common misconceptions about Carnegie Science and the truth that underlies each one. 

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science’s endowment covers all of our costs. 

✔️ Truth: While we do have an endowment, it covers less than 60 percent of our annual expenses. We also rely on grants and the generosity of individual donors to support the remainder of our operating budget each year. 

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science only does scientific research. 

✔️ Truth: While scientific research is a large portion of our work, we also have a robust community outreach program, including public events and neighborhood lectures such as our Capital Science Evenings and Astronomy Lecture Series, middle and high school educational offerings through Carnegie Academy for Science Education (CASE), and undergraduate internship programs. Sharing our science and discoveries with the Carnegie community, friends, and supporters is a crucial part of our mission.  

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science is a national institution. 

✔️ Truth: While we are headquartered in the nation’s capital, we have research departments in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern and Southern California, and telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s high Atacama Desert, as well as collaborators all over the world.

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science is affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University, Carnegie Hall, or the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

✔️ Truth: We are an independent research institution. Though we share a name with more than 20 science, education, and art organizations that were generously established by Andrew Carnegie throughout the world, we are all independent. Add another sentence about postdocs 

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science is not a university, so we do not have alumni

✔️ Truth: While it is true that we are not a university, we have a dynamic community of former postdoctoral fellows who have launched their careers at Carnegie. Each year, approximately 150 postdoctoral fellows join our ranks, and many remain close to the organization and collaborate with Carnegie scientists long after they move on to permanent roles in academia, business, government, and the nonprofit sector.  

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science's administration determines where researchers focus their efforts. 

✔️ Truth: Renowned researchers like Nobel Laureate Barbara McClintock and legendary astronomer Vera Rubin were able to make breakthrough discoveries on chromosomes and the nature of dark matter, because they were granted the freedom to follow their curiosity and the resources they needed to investigate their passion. Today, exceptional scientists from throughout the world continue to come to Carnegie Science, where independence and flexibility are not only supported, but actively encouraged.  

❌ Myth: Carnegie Science was founded in 1902, so it must be a dusty old institution. 

✔️ Truth: We are indeed more than 100 years old, but we are on the cutting edge of science thanks to our longstanding commitment to new techniques and instrumentation. Our researchers have pioneered research that has led to unexpected benefits for society, such as CRISPR-powered genome editing in coral, the discoveries of thousands of new planets beyond our Solar System, the development of radar, and the technology behind Pyrex glass, penicillin, and other novel drugs.  

❌ Myth: Andrew Carnegie is our most important donor 

✔️ Truth: While Carnegie’s contribution to establishing our institution was invaluable, what keeps us thriving and on the cutting edge every day are donors like you. Thanks for all you do to support Carnegie!