This lecture series is designed to promote the principles of gold standard science by providing a formal venue for thoughtful discussion of complex scientific topics. Each session will highlight areas where important scientific issues have generated significant scholarly debate, with the aim of fostering a culture grounded in evidence, integrity, and respectful exchange.  

Seminars will be held in person in  the Clinical Center (Building 10), Masur Auditorium. They will also be livestreamed on NIH VideoCast. 

For questions or special accommodations email [email protected].

2026–2027 Schedule 

Thursday, August 6
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET
The Reality of Human Sex Differences: Why It Matters for Science, Medicine, and Policy, and Why We Need to Talk About It
Carole Hooven, Ph.D.
Videocast 

Friday, June 12
1:25 – 3:00 p.m. ET 
Energy Balance or Fuel Partitioning? A History Lesson in the Science of Obesity Pathogenesis, and Its Implications
Gary Taubes
VideoCast

Friday, March 20
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. ET 
Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19
Matt Ridley, DPhil 
VideoCast