What's gender got to do with it? More than you think. Hear how scientists push the boundaries of the binary to create change and expand inclusion. The third and final volume in the NightLife: Says Who? series amplifies the work of scientists who are paving the way for progress in a patriarchal system that often works against them.

Featured partners and events*:

They’re challenging the status quo and breaking barriers in science: Join comedian Francesca Fiorentini for a biting stand-up set followed by a no-holds-barred panel discussion with cardiac surgeon, Dr. Amy Fiedler, director of research at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), Dr. Alex Hanna, astrophysicist Dr. Nia Imara, and Academy head librarian, Rebekah Kim. These brilliant minds are ready to spill the tea on what it's really like to push against the man in the world of science.
Join the Academy’s Institute for Biodiversity Science & Sustainability (IBSS) Program Manager, Kel Larkin, for a talk exploring the fun-damentals of gender and the diverse ways gender is expressed throughout the animal kingdom.

*Featured events will be held in both English and ASL.

Says Who? Series Essentials

While partners and panels will change with each event, every Says Who? will feature these activations:

Tell: Grab the narrative by the horns and record your own story with Sarah Shimazaki, host of the podcast, Outside Voices.
Craft: Get hands-on with take-home MakeArt Kits from the Museum of Craft and Design created to help you rewrite old narratives by infusing personal experience with artistic expression.
Capture: Snap your story with a portrait from film photographer Holiday Hagan.
Design: Immerse yourself in the world of zines with Rock Paper Scissors Collective, create your own, and explore zines from other local creators.
Listen: Gather ‘round to hear Drag Story Hour readers Panda Dulce, VERA!, and Jota Mercury read all about standout moments from the Academy’s history as one of the oldest scientific institutions in the West. Plus, discover the untold stories of some incredible Academy scientists of the past told by passionate Academy scientists of the present.

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

NightLife guests are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. We still strongly encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, and to mask up indoors. As always, if you’re feeling under the weather, please NightLife another time. View health and safety information here.
Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.
Morrison Planetarium is now open at NightLife with 4 showtimes. To maximize staff and guest safety, planetarium passes are required and capacity is limited. Passes are available online in advance for an additional $5 while supplies last to reserve a seat at a 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30 pm planetarium show. Please see our FAQs for more details. (Please note: A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drink are not permitted inside the planetarium.)
Beverages are available at various bars throughout the building, but food must be enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Cafe only.
NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.