NIH Scientific Freedom Lecture Series

Bimonthly beginning March 20, 2026

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 empo@nih.gov.

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