First Friday: Innate

This First Friday we launched Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a Distillations podcast and magazine project that examines the historical roots and persistent legacies of racism in American science and medicine.
The Innate podcast season and accompanying articles uncover hidden histories, unpack age-old misconceptions, and highlight those making change today.
Our kick-off celebration featured a live listening party and Q&A with the Distillations podcast team: Lisa Berry Drago, Mariel Carr, Rigoberto Hernandez, and Alexis Pedrick, who is also the Innate project lead. Visitors could take a peek behind the scenes, hear clips and bonus audio, and join the conversation with our producers and hosts.
The evening also included light snacks, a scavenger hunt in our museum, a rare book display, and a button making craft activity.
This event was supported in part by:

About First Fridays
Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.
First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.
More events
The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology
50 years after the Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA, experts will gather at the 2025 Cain Conference to reflect on the last half century of biotechnology and matters arising in the field today.
Who Grows Your Clothes?
The cofounders of PA Fibershed explore the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry.
Functional Food and Drink: What’s for Lunch in the Global Cafeteria?
This virtual panel will discuss what functional food means in the U.S. and other countries and how chemistry helps deliver protein, carbohydrates, fat, and flavor.