Dear Friends,

On behalf of our community and dedicated supporters and partners, Science Chicago thanks everyone for taking part in this extraordinary yearlong science celebration. More than 300,000 citizen scientists–students, teachers, families and individuals–have participated in thousands of in-person science programming and online experiences. As you will see in the “Timeline” section of this final report, science happened every day and everywhere; each experience contributing to the world’s largest science celebration.

Science Chicago came together because of the commitment and collaboration of more than 140 public and private institutions. The initiative boasted a diverse and talented group of individuals–including professional scientists, engineers, undergraduate and graduate students and educators–as well as the best of Chicago’s universities, national laboratories, research facilities, industries, corporations, museums, cultural institutions and community organizations. Science Chicago partners helped connect the city and regions’ resources and talent to the public and encourage us all to embrace the scientist within and experience life as a lab. Please visit the partner section of this report to connect with the ongoing efforts of these outstanding organizations.

Science Chicago would not have been possible without the generous support of our foundation and corporate partners –The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Abbott, The Boeing Company, Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Motorola– and the Museum of Science and Industry. Their involvement acknowledges the critical role science and math play in the success and well-being of our region, as well as the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Thank you for joining us on this phenomenal adventure. We hope you keep science in your life every day.

Cheryl R. Hughes
Executive Director, Science Chicago