The Telluride Town Talks take a TED-like turn. Two speakers, 20 minutes each, is the punchy new event format of the celebratory tenth anniversary of the Telluride Town Talks. “This public science lecture series has continued to evolve over the past ten years,” said TSRC Director Nana Naisbitt.  “The shorter format makes the talks more vibrant and forces the scientists to communicate at a less technical level.”

The interview session and Q & A concluding each talk will be led by familiar Telluride faces, including Dr. Peter Hackett, high altitude medicine specialist and practicing M.D. at the Telluride Medical Clinic, and Mallory Dimmitt, director of the Nature Conservancy’s Colorado Plateau Initiative.

Every summer, a thousand top scientists flock to Telluride to collaboratively solve deep scientific challenges, and a few of them share their expertise with the local community in this series of public lectures. This tradition, now known as the Town Talks, has grown steadily in popularity since its current form took shape in 2003. The program was actually started in 1991 by TSRC scientists as a way to give back to a community they were growing to love. But it did not take hold until 10 years ago.

There’s something for everyone in this summer’s lineup, from clouds to consciousness. Signature issues such as climate change and solar energy will be discussed, as well as robotics, the science of politics and law, the future of personal transportation, and much more.

Thanks to a generous, anonymous gift, TSRC is able to present eight events with 16 talks June 19-Aug. 7. Join TSRC for a weekly double dose of stimulating science at the Palm Theatre, Tuesday evenings, from 6-7:15 p.m. Admission is free; donations are always appreciated.

 For more information, go online at telluridescience.org/towntalk/2012 or call Naisbitt at 970-708-0004. Look out for weekly posters in town.