In brief

Author Plotkin to talk at Science Center

Ethnobotanist and author Mark Plotkin, A.B.E. ’79, will discuss his new book, “The Killers Within: The Rise of Deadly, Drug-Resistant Bacteria” (co-authored with Michael Shnayerson), on Nov. 7 in the Science Center, Hall A. The talk, which begins at 8 p.m., is sponsored by the Harvard Extension School Alumni Association and is free and open to the public.

‘Nature’s Designs’ at Sackler

The Sackler Museum will host its second Sackler Saturday of the fall on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The upcoming event – “Nature’s Designs in Art” – will examine the beautiful designs in Islamic prayer rugs, a Japanese kimono, and Greek vases. Families with children ages 6 to 11 are invited for storytelling, games, sketching lessons, and hands-on art projects. The event is free and open to the public. Call (617) 495-4402 for more information.

Conference to examine Harvard’s digital identity

Harvard’s identity in the digital world will undergo some thoughtful examination at the Fourth Harvard Conference on Internet & Society on Nov. 15-16. Open to all Harvard faculty, administrators, staff, students, and alumni, the conference will feature presenters and panelists including Provost Steven E. Hyman, President Emeritus Derek Bok, and Business School Dean Kim Clark. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.internetandsociety.org.

Provost grant for innovation in technology

Three years ago, the Provost Office created a grant that was intended to fund and encourage creative uses of technology that had promise to improve education at Harvard. Since its inception, this grant, the Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Instructional Technology, has supported over 40 projects and distributed close to $4 million.

Grants of up to $50,000 are suggested although grants of up to $150,000 will be considered. For proposals between $50,000 and $150,000, the proposed project needs to align with the applicable school’s strategic goals in the use of technology and include the endorsement of the dean. Deadline for the mandatory draft submission is Nov. 1. Final proposal is due Dec. 2. E-mail elizabeth_hess@harvard.edu and/or mary_spidle@harvard.edu with questions about the grant program or preparing a proposal.

– Compiled by

Andrew Brooks