A dinner Friday, April 20, will raise funds for the non-profit science centre Canada South Science City, while raising awareness of the importance of discovery to human well-being, says Bill Baylis.

President of the Science City board and UWindsor physics professor emeritus, he says our have never depended more on science and the technology it enables.

“Beyond the smart phones, virtual-reality viewers, and 3-D printers, modern science and technology have spawned revolutions in such areas as space exploration and modern medicine,” Dr. Baylis says. “They are opening paths for providing food and safe water to the 7.6 billion humans currently on the Earth.”

The dinner, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Fogolar Furlan club, is held in conjunction with Earth Day. Guest speaker Graham Parker is a professor in the School of Medicine at Wayne State University.

He will draw on his experience in the fields of stem-cell research and neuroscience in his address, entitled “Removing barriers to real scientific progress,” promising to discuss “the costs to progress, the lessons to be learned, and future priorities.”

Canada South Science City has moved its hands-on exhibits and interactive displays to the former Forster high school at 749 Felix Avenue. Public admission to the facility has been delayed by the need for repairs and renovations, but public events, including a STEM day camp, are planned for this summer.

The Earth Day dinner promises a silent auction, cash bar, and the conferral of awards for a poster and poetry contest will be made. For tickets or more information, visit the event website.