Celebrating150 Years
Celebrating 150 Years of Discovery, Impact, and Innovation
150 Years of Biological Breakthroughs
Join us as we celebrate the legacy and future of Purdue Biological Sciences—where groundbreaking research meets transformative impact.
Give Now Our Legacy Global Impact Inspiring the Future Historical Timeline
UPCOMING EVENTS
150th Anniversary: Designing the Future of Biology - A Conversation with David Baker
November 10, 2025 | 12:00 – 2:00 PM | MJIS 1001
David Baker is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for computational protein design.” He is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and was included on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in health. He is a professor of biochemistry, HHMI investigator, and director of the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington. He has published more than 650 scientific papers, been awarded over 100 patents, and co-founded 21 biotechnology companies. More than 100 of his trainees have gone on to independent faculty positions.
150th Anniversary Distinguished Scholar Lecture
December 1, 2025 | 12:30 PM | MJIS 1001
As part of the yearlong celebration of 150 years of Biological Sciences at Purdue, we are honored to welcome Dr. Massimo Scanziani, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, for a special Distinguished Scholar Lecture.
Dr. Scanziani is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in systems neuroscience. This event is open to all faculty, students, alumni, and friends of Purdue Biology.
Mark your calendar and join us for an inspiring evening of scientific insight and celebration.
PAST EVENTS
The Next 150: Shaping the Next Era of Purdue Biological Sciences (Industry Collaboration)
October 9, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Hall for Discovery & Learning
Purdue Biological Sciences has long been a hub of research excellence. Now, we're building on that foundation to deepen our engagement with industry. This roundtable marks that start of a more intentional effort to align our strengths to real-world needs.
150 Years of Purdue Biology: A Legacy of Discovery
October 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms
This special symposium celebrated 150 years of groundbreaking discovery, innovation, and global impact in Biological Sciences at Purdue University. We welcomed back distinguished alumni, former faculty, and scientific leaders from around the world.
The day featured talks by internationally recognized scientists, including members of the National Academy of Sciences, spotlights on current faculty research, and a student poster session.
Biological Sciences 150th Legacy and Alumni Celebration
October 7, 2025 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | Purdue Memorial Union West Faculty Lounge
This exclusive event featured a reception, remarks from leadership, and the presentation of the Purdue Biology 150th Anniversary Distinguished Alumna Award to Dr. Anne Carpenter (Broad Institute), presented by distinguished alumna Dr. Rita Colwell.
Biological Sciences 150th Karling Lecture
October 7, 2025 | 12:30 – 1:30 PM | DLR 131
This exclusive event featured a lecture by Denise Montell, Duggan Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Purdue Day of Giving
April 30, 2025
Gifts help us continue pushing boundaries in research, education, and student success. Join us in honoring the past and powering the future of Purdue Biology.
Purdue Biology 150th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni & Future Leaders Discussion
April 11, 2025
Dr. Sonia Nasr, our 2025 Distinguished Science Alumna, along with members of the Biological Sciences Alumni Advisory Council came together, for an insightful conversation on navigating careers in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.
150 Years of Purdue Biology: A Night to Celebrate
April 10, 2025
This celebratory dinner brought together faculty, alumni, and distinguished honorees to reflect on 150 years of discovery, collaboration, and excellence in the Department of Biological Sciences.
NEWS
Rethinking grades: How alternative grading strategies are changing the biology classroom
For some students, grades can feel like the most important part of their education. Exams, assignments, and letter grades often determine future opportunities—but do traditional grading methods actually support learning?
One Health: Control of protein folding strikes at the root of disease
The shared culprit in a slew of diseases — cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes — is molecules our cells have made incorrectly. Think of them as proteins gone wrong. Whether the cause is genetic or environmental, these proteins are improperly folded, fail to do their job and can accumulate in the body with devastating results.
Purdue researchers advance RNA medical discovery decades ahead of schedule
Ribonucleic acid, commonly known as RNA, is involved in many biological functions, and some, including gene silencing, are utilitized to cure diseases. RNA has recently gained attention as a promising drug target. Researchers have developed a computational model that could expedite medical discovery decades ahead of schedule.
GET INVOLVED
- Share Your Story – Alumni reflections and memories welcome! Email us at biology@purdue.edu
- Support the Next Discovery – Contribute on Purdue Day of Giving and support the Biological Sciences Excellence Fund
- Purdue Ties – Sign up and build lasting impact through mentorship of young scientists
- Visit Us – Join our 150th anniversary events and seminars throughout the year.
