Alexander von Humboldt, Prussian polymath, geographer, naturalist, explorer, and influential proponent of Romantic philosophy and science, travelled extensively in the Americas, exploring and describing them from a modern scientific point of view. His quantitative works on the plants, animals, and peoples he encountered during his travels laid the foundation for many scientific discoveries and fields of research today. Even 200 years after his expeditions, Alexander von Humboldt is well remembered in the regions he explored during his lifetime (now Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and the United States), and he is also renowned in parts of the New World he did not visit.
On the 250th anniversary of Humboldt's birth, numerous events are being prepared on both sides of the Atlantic.
The German-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research, Humboldt Foundation Liaison Office in Canada, and University of Alberta International invite you to explore Humboldt's legacy with Dr. Sandra Rebok.
Her research over the last twenty years has concentrated on the history of science, with particular emphasis on scientific expeditions in the 19th century, Humboldtian studies, Atlantic history, intellectual and cultural history, as well as the analysis of networks of knowledge in an international context.
The event will include a Film Screening on Humboldt's life at 11:00 a.m., followed by a free lunch at noon and a lecture by Dr. Sandra Rebok. In her talk, Dr. Rebok will evaluate Humboldt and his achievements, and explore how his key achievements can be defined, in which ways he differed from other explorers, and what we can still learn from Humboldt in facing the challenges of today.
All are welcome to join!
When: 10th October 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Room 134, Telus International Centre (116th Street and 85th Avenue NW), University of Alberta
Details:
- Film Screening at 11:00 a.m.
- Lunch and Humboldt Foundation Programmes Information Session at 12:00 p.m.
- Lecture and discussion with Dr. Sandra Rebok at 12:30 p.m.
*If you cannot attend for the full three hours, feel free to choose the program elements that fit your schedule.
! This event is co-organized by the Humboldt Foundation Liaison Office in Canada, University of Alberta International, and the German-Canadian-Centre for Innovation and Research
