This Thursday, September 12, 2013, I'll be in Boston for the Ig Nobel Prize extravaganza. I'm sure the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Sweden is very nice, but the Ig Nobel ceremony is something not-to-be-missed! The awards honor scientific research that's amusing as well as thought-provoking. Aside being an all around good time, the Ig Nobel Prizes raise awareness and interest in science. While the Nobel Prize honors research deemed most beneficial to humanity, I consider the Ig Nobel Prize to honor research most beneficial to science simply because science thrives on public interest and support. Quirky science gets people viewing the world in a new way. It shows kids why it's extraordinarily awesome to study science. The Ig Nobel Prize makes science accessible! Although tickets to the festivities are sold out, you can watch the Ig Nobel ceremony live via webcast. The broadcast begins at 5:35 pm Eastern, with the ceremony starting at 6 pm. The ceremony is neither boring nor long. It's funny, educational, and immensely entertaining. There will be an electric harp mini-concert, paper airplanes, an original mini-opera, and the awards. Each Ig Nobel recipient presents a 24/7 lecture, which consists of an explanation which will not exceed 24 seconds in duration, followed by a 7 word summary. It's possible some last minute tickets may become available. If so, they will be announced on Twitter (@improbresearch) and on the Improbable Research Facebook page. If you live in Paris, Atlanta, or Raleigh, crash or legitimately attend the webcast-watching party in your city.
Photos from the 2012 Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony
List of 2012 Ig Nobel Prize Winners
2011 Ig Nobel Prize Winners
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