Smithsonian's Lemelson Center: Nobel Prize Winner To Lecture, Dec. 3

12/2/2002

From: Christine Broda-Bahm, Public Affairs Specialist for the Lemelson Center, National Museum of American History (Smithsonian Institution), 202-633-9156

News Advisory:

WHAT: Dr. Rita Levi-Montalcini, 93, winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for her discovery of nerve growth factor, will give a free lecture titled, "Rita Levi-Montalcini: My Journey for Science and Society."

The presentation is part of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation's lecture series, "The Spirit of Innovation -- Celebrating 100 Years of the Nobel Prize" and is co-sponsored by the Embassy of Italy.

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 3 6 p.m.

WHERE: Smithsonian's National Museum of American History Carmichael Auditorium, First Floor 14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W. Please use the Constitution Avenue entrance. Free valet parking is available in front of the museum.

TO ATTEND: Contact Christine Broda-Bahm, 202-633-9156.

A longtime feminist role model and a champion of human rights, Rita Levi-Montalcini will discuss her career including working during the Mussolini regime, continuing her scientific pursuits despite racist laws barring Jews from research and professional careers, and the struggle of women in the field of science.

She is one of only three surviving female Nobel Laureates in the Sciences. In August of 200l, Levi-Montalcini was made a life senator in Italy for her work in science and for the promotion and defense of civil rights. She is only the second woman in the history of the Italian republic to hold this title. She currently heads the Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, which provides scholarships for young women in Africa.

------ The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center is dedicated to exploring invention in history and encouraging inventive creativity in young people. The Center is supported by The Lemelson Foundation, a private philanthropy established by one of the country's most prolific inventors, Jerome Lemelson, and his family. The Lemelson Center is located in the National Museum of American History.