News & Events
Check out our Public Lectures page for upcoming free science seminars! Seminars are typically held once a month from October to May. Past talks are posted to our YouTube channel. Consider also checking out the Halifax Field Naturalists who also host talks and events.
Upcoming Events
Atlantic General Relativity conference
Mount Saint Vincent University will be hosting the Atlantic General Relativity conference from May 31 - June 2, 2026. This conference is FREE to all participants! Click here for the conference website. See Dr. Dwight Vincent discuss Einstein's Blackboards, on Sunday May 31 at Mount Saint Vincent University. Other featured speakers are Dr. Scott A. Hughes (MIT) who will discuss the current state of gravitational research on June 1, and Dr. Luigi Gallo (SMU) Who will highlight his work regarding active galactic nuclei from regions closest to their super massive black holes, and how this data can be used to examine black hole properties - happening on June 2.
Scientific Media
Check out these podcast/interview series featuring Nova Scotian Scientists!
Conversation with a Scientist
Hosted by Chérif Matta of Mount Saint Vincent University - This youtube series hosts conversations on chemistry, physics, astronomy, and scientific thought with researchers and scholars from around the world. Many Nova Scotian Researchers have been featured including past NSIS president - Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal (Mount Saint Vincent University) and Dr. Rob Thacker and student Fraser Smith (Saint Mary's University). Click here to learn more!
Sciographies
Hosted by Dr. David Barclay of Dalhousie University - This podcast & radio show introduces listeners to the scientific community at Dalhousie University. Each episode explores events in the guest’s life that led to a career in science, while also exploring their research. Click here to learn more!
Other News
NASA'a Artemis II Mission was successfully completed on April 10, 2026. This was the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. This mission featured Canadian Astronaut - Jeremy Hansen. Click here to learn more about Jeremy! To learn more about the Artemis Mission - Click Here!
Excursions
Each year, the NSIS arranges a few excursions for its members and guests. These outings have elements of scientific interest, and they are opportunities to share experiences and socialize. They are led either by member volunteers or by subject-matter experts.
We have done 20 excursions between 2016 and 2024, with a break from 2020-2022 due to Covid.
- Historical Nova Scotia Gold Mining and Remediation Efforts
- Natural History of McNab’s Island
- Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens (1st time)
- The Science and Art of Making Beer (at the Garrison Brewery)
- Burke-Gaffney Observatory
- Joggins Fossil Cliffs
- Shubenacadie Canal
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography
- Dalhousie Planetarium
- Habits and Habitats of NS Birds (in association with the NS Birding Society)
- Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens (2nd time)
- Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest
- The Science and Art of Making Beer (at the 2 Crows Brewing Company)
- Fundy Geological Museum, Ottawa House, and the Tidal Power Exhibit.
- Discovery Centre (including “behind the scenes”)
- Purcell’s Cove Backlands (in association with Halifax Field Naturalists)
- Halifax Citadel Drumlin Geological Walk
- Petroglyphs and Guided Nature Walk in Kejimkujik National Park
- Scatarie Island Wilderness Area
- Bon Portage Island
We are also considering several others:
- Waterfalls of Nova Scotia (various sites)
- Cape Split Nature Hike (Scots Bay)
- Nova Scotia Museum of Industry (New Glasgow)
- Shubenacadie Wildlife Park (Shubenacadie)
- Kejimkujik Petroglyphs & Nature Walk (repeat)
- Scatarie Island (repeat)
We welcome additional suggestions!