FSU Discovery Days Returns for Its Third Year
This message has been approved by Kathleen Haughney, Director for Research Communications, for distribution to students, faculty and staff.
Florida State University’s Office of Research will host the third annual FSU Discovery Days, a weeklong celebration of research, creativity and discovery, from Oct. 18–25.
Discovery Days has something for everyone — from “Shark Tank” style business pitch competitions to kid-friendly physics and art projects to lectures highlighting clinical research breakthroughs in medicine.
View the full schedule online and start planning your Discovery Days experiences today!
For more information visit research.fsu.edu.
The full list of events includes:
Saturday, October 18
FSU Health Expo: Bridging Community, Health and Research
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wakulla Community Center
FSU Health is excited to be hosting a community health expo aimed at providing valuable resources to the local surrounding community. Exhibitors include FSU researchers, community organizations and other local groups focused on health wellness.
Monday, October 20
College of Medicine Annual Medical Student Poster Session
12 – 1 p.m.
College of Medicine Atrium
1115 West Call St.
This event showcases the research conducted by FSU’s medical students during their summer immersion experiences through the College of Medicine’s Summer Research Fellowship Program.
Nutrition Research for a Healthier Nation: Introducing ICON-Health
1 – 4 p.m.
Dunlap Champions Club, Building B
225 Champions Way
This event highlights work being done at FSU and also on the federal level to advance evidence-based nutrition policy.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Durell Peaden Auditorium, College of Medicine
1115 West Call St.
Clinical partners across the Tallahassee region will present 2-minute snapshots of some of the biggest challenges they face in their day-to-day practice.
Tuesday, October 21
Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition
Oct. 21 - 25.
Museum of Fine Arts
530 W. Call St.
MOFA will have several exhibitions on display during discovery days. These include Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art, Water Ways: Indigenous Ecologies and Florida Heritage and Akimbo: Zoë Charlton on Memory, Place and Resilience in the Tallahassee Landscape.
For more information, including hours, parking information and a list of upcoming events, visit mofa.fsu.edu.
Ignite Tallahassee Grand Opening
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 West Paul Dirac Drive
Grand opening of Ignite Tallahassee incubator program! Don't miss your chance to meet the current incubator companies, hear from tech venture specialists, and learn about the entrepreneurship programs available to tech entrepreneurs.
9 – 11 a.m.
University Center C
296 Champions Way
Children & Youth will bring together researchers and practitioners from across FSU working to address the biggest challenges facing children and youth today. The goal of this event is to help build connections and form new teams to drive impactful, solution-oriented research and evidence-based programs that will improve the lives of young people in our communities.
Building Infrastructure and Supporting Innovation in Florida
10 – 10:30 a.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
Local and state leaders will discuss how Florida is strengthening its innovation ecosystem. This panel will explore policies, resources, and partnerships shaping the state’s future as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Speakers (include Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, DOMI Station Executive Director Kara Holbert and IGNITE Program Director Alissa Costabile.
This event is part of the IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening Celebration.
10:30 – 11 a.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
FSU Professor of Chemistry James Frederich presents The Story of Taxol. The story is fascinating, showcasing how scientific curiosity and persistence can lead to groundbreaking medical advances. From the bark of the Pacific yew tree to becoming one of the world’s most effective cancer-fighting drugs, Taxol’s journey is a remarkable tale of discovery, innovation, and perseverance.
This talk is part of the IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening.
Capital of Florida: VC & Angel Funding for Sunshine State Tech Startups
11 – 11:30 a.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
Discover how venture capitalists and angel investors are fueling Florida’s tech ecosystem. This panel explores pathways to capital, what investors look for and how tech startups can position themselves to secure funding in the Sunshine State. Speakers include Zachary Brodsky from Florida Funders and Kathy Chiu from Deepwork Capital. The session will be moderated by Valerie McDevitt, associate VP for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at FSU.
This session is part of the IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening.
Empowering Future Founders: Engineering Innovation at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
11 – 11:30 a.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
Robert Wandell, Director for Engineering Innovation at the FSU-FAMU College of Engineering, will share insights on empowering future founders—drawing from expertise in technology commercialization, sustainable engineering solutions and innovation across disciplines. From plasma discharges to sustainable agriculture, STEM education, and tech transfer, Robert's work embodies the college’s mission: solving global challenges while preparing the next generation of engineering leaders!
This talk is part of the IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening.
IGNITE Tallahassee Immersive Tours
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
What does the IGNITE Tallahassee facility offer startups? Can you see your venture operating in our shared lab, using a bio-safety cabinet in a dedicated lab, or meeting investors in your own a private office? Tour these spaces for yourself and see the vision come together.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
IGNITE Tallahassee
1729 W Paul Dirac Dr
Meet the startup members at IGNITE Tallahassee and learn more about cool, revolutionary technology that starts right here in North Florida! Chat with our sponsors, ecosystem leaders, and connect with Capital City's innovation change-makers.
12 – 1 p.m.
Bradley Reading Room, Strozier Library
116 Honors Way
This lecture by Jayur Mehta, Associate Professor of Anthropology, discusses his work on ancient shell mounds and how they've been affected by climate variability. The event is a part of the annual Carothers Lecture Series. Lunch will be provided.
Attending a Conference: Delivery and Effectiveness
1 – 2 p.m.
Honors, Scholars and Fellows House
127 Honors Way
This workshop walks graduate students through the process of conveying their research effectively, including ensuring their paper meets the goals set out in their abstract, designing a compelling slide deck and delivery of the paper – including reading, dress and body language.
3 – 5 p.m.
Augustus B Turnbull Conference Center
555 W Pensacola St.
FSU startups compete in a Shark Tank style pitch competition for up to $100,000 in cash prizes. Audience members will get in on the action to pick the company they think can go the distance with an Audience Choice award.
Wednesday, October 22
Partnering with Your Compliance Office to Ensure Research Success
9 – 11 a.m.
218 Student Services Building
874 Traditions Way
This workshop provided insight into unanticipated events in research and how respective compliance offices can be a resource to faculty when they occur.
How to Access $3B+ in Non-Dilutable, Small Business Funding
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Florida Small Business Development Center
625 E Tennessee St.
This presentation provides a basic introduction to the purpose, eligibility requirements and structure of the Small Business Innovation Research and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs. These two initiatives are referred to as the Nation’s largest source of early stage, high risk, non-diluted funding for start-ups and small businesses.
Attending a Conference: Creating Poster Presentations
3 – 4 p.m.
Honors, Scholars and Fellows House
127 Honors Way
This workshop walks graduate students through the basics of what makes a great poster—from text, to graphics, to layout—and ensures that graduate students will make the best impression possible when talking with a variety of people about their work.
Thursday, October 23
2025 CCI Summit: Advancing Health Through Research!
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Augustus B Turnbull III Conference Center
555 W Pensacola St.
The 2025 CCI Summit will feature moderated panels on a range of health-related topics, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and consider new directions for collaborative research. Students and faculty will also share their work during a poster session, creating further opportunities for dialogue and connection. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Global and Multicultural Engagement
110 S Woodward Ave.
Research Development and University Communications invite faculty to participate in a workshop where they will translate their work for the general public, practice interviewing with media and learn tips and tricks for zoom interviews and more. This event will be capped at 60 participants.
2 – 4 p.m.
Honors, Scholars and Fellows House
127 Honors Way.
Four advanced doctoral students will give 15-minute presentations on their research. Refreshments will be provided and there will be time for Q&A and networking!
Meet the Team at the Office of Research
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Student Services Building
874 Traditions Way.
Meet the Team at the Office of Research at the annual Open House held at the Sponsored Research Administration offices. Light Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.
President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence
5 – 7:30 p.m.
FSU Student Union Ballroom
75 N Woodward Ave.
Students will share their original research and creative projects through poster and oral presentations. This event, a collaboration between the Office of the President and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, is the culmination of the IDEA Grants undergraduate research program.
Friday, October 24
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Student Services Building
874 Traditions Way.
What role did religion play in the minds of America’s Founders, and how should we understand their views today? Four leading scholars—Michael Breidenbach, Jane Calvert, Kurt Piehler, and Marc O. DeGirolami—will explore the complex relationship between faith and the founding era. From debates over religious liberty to the role of belief in shaping early American institutions, this panel promises a lively and thought-provoking conversation on a topic that remains central to our civic life.
Unlock Your Future: Career Paths for STEM Graduates
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FSU Student Union Ballroom E
75 N Woodward Ave.
Join FSU Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson as she leads an insightful panel discussion with a diverse group of professionals on the abundant career opportunities awaiting STEM graduates.
Celebrating the International Year of Quantum
12 – 3 p.m.
Interdisciplinary Research & Commercialization Building
2001 Levy Ave.
Enjoy some pizza and learn how students can engage in research opportunities with the FSU Quantum Initiative. Speakers include researchers from the National MagLab, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the FSU Department of Physics. Attendees also can get a behind-the-scenes look at the MagLab (closed toe shoes required).
Arts-Humanities-Health Symposium IV
12 – 2:30 p.m.
Claude Pepper Center
636 W Call St.
Arts-Humanities-Health Symposium IV: How can the arts and humanities improve our health and well-being? FSU faculty from medicine and nursing united with artists, creators, and researchers from the arts and humanities to explore how poetry, art, music, and interior design contribute to better health outcomes, working environments, and lifestyles.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Student Services Building
874 Traditions Way.
Once the Founders created the Constitution, they needed to implement it in a way that met their intent. The FSU Institute for Governance and Civics Guest Speaker Series presents scholars Melanie Miller, Brigid Staab and Jordan Cash who will discuss Gouvernor Morris’s role in crafting the Constitution and Chief Justice Marshall and Justice Joseph Story’s roles in interpreting it.
Reimagining Florida's Child Welfare Training
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Global and Multicultural Engagement Building
110 S Woodward Ave.
Discover how Florida is revolutionizing child welfare pre-service training. Join this dynamic panel as we unveil the cutting-edge advancements in curriculum design, innovative delivery methods, and real-world workforce integration. This engaging session spotlights the powerful partnership among the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW), the Department of Children and Families and leading academic and field experts.
Kaleidoscope: Innovation in the Arts and Humanities
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Opperman Music Hall
114 N Copeland St.
Join arts and humanities faculty and students in an evening of interdisciplinary scholarship and exploration. Topics include Narrative and Science, The Great American Desert, a presentation on current art exhibitions and interdisciplinary musical performances.
Saturday, October 25
Blast Off! Saturday Morning Physics + Art
9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Richards Building
1055 Atomic Way.
Join us for an action-packed day of creativity and curiosity as art and physics collide! FSU's Department of Physics and College of Fine Arts invite K–12 students to explore the physics of rockets through hands-on art projects, interactive experiments and thrilling demonstrations. This event will ignite imaginations and fuel a love for both science and the arts. Get ready to discover, design and defy gravity!