The Washington Area Astronomy Meetup connects people interested in astronomy by fostering informal gatherings at local star parties, public observatory nights, astronomy lectures and other astronomy-related programs. No experience in astronomy is required and you don't need to own a telescope to participate. The free evening "star party" meetups posted here are hosted by local astronomy clubs and organizations that welcome public participation. These groups offer fun, safe ways to explore the ni …

CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and like-minded individuals. CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joini …

SahajaYoga Meditation is meant for everyone who desires to find his or her true self. A state, which is Joyous, Peaceful and which emits Love for everyone. It is not just a book or a set of exercises but a living science that will open up to you gradually as your meditation become deeper, stronger and more fulfilling. SahajaYoga Meditation was founded by Honorable Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. It involves the awakening of a subtle spiritual energy known as the mother `Kundalini` which lies d …

I am a high school biology teacher who would like to have extra motivation to read science-related books and discuss them outside of school. These wouldn't be textbooks, they would be more "popular science" that are educational and entertaining as well! Authors will include Richard Dawkins, Natalie Angier, E.O. Wilson, Carl Sagan, and Rachel Carson among others. There are many of these that have been on my "to-do" list for a long time. Of course other science teachers would be great for this gro …

STAY YOUNGER LONGER! New research shows how! "If you want to improve the way you perform, look & feel in your life, then this is a genuine path to Wellness!" Univera + You! (The video) Bio-technology research proves Life extension is now available to average humans, and peak performance and quality of life is now achievable. Using science and botanical research and how it affects gene function to optimize cell reproduction. We are a wellness support community sharing new ideas and coaching t …

Every second Thursday of the month we meet downstairs in Politics and Prose's remainder room to discuss science fiction. We are a friendly bunch and our topics have ranged from Scarab-Beetle Head-Sex to how much we all dislike Greg Bear. Some of the books we've read in the past include: The Forever War - Joe Haldeman Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon Doomsday Book - Connie Willis Darwin's Radio - Greg Bear Fleck and the Elixer - Rudy Rucker Snow Crash - Neil Stephenson The Sp …

As more biotech and life science companies are attracted to the DC metro area, there is a clear need to facilitate interaction amongst its key players. To that end, we will host quarterly networking events with other biotechnology professionals and business partners. The group is open to those in the biotechnology, life science or pharmaceutical companies in the DC Metro Area. The quarterly networking event will be an informal event allowing for exchange of ideas and business cards. Eventually …

Hey there. I'm hoping this book club will fill a gap that's missing in the local book club scene. I really enjoy reading books that are engaging and leave me feeling like I've learned something. I also really enjoy books that help me understand other people and where they are coming from. So I started this book club, which I've named 'People, Places, and Perspectives.' People - personal stories, psychology, sociology, anthropology Places - geography, culture, urban planning Perspectives - how ot …

We are a group of writers who enjoy imaginative, perhaps even offbeat, fiction. Our goal is to write well--or at least better--but with the freedom to make mistakes. We are not here to necessarily produce polished, publishable fiction, but to rather to carve out a space where writers can experiment and have fun in a relaxed and supportive environment. Speculative fiction--which includes science fiction, supernatural horror, steampunk, dystopian fiction, magical realism, fantastic allegory, and …

Hi, we are developing a Non-Profit based around a distance education web portal. The3rdGoal is the name of the website and its mission is to assist low-income children Nationally and Internationally. STEM field education is an emerging national issue among middle to high school age children in the United States. Girls and Boys are both capable of understanding and excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

The Great Books Reading Group is not a literature club. It is a discussion group that uses a multidisciplinary approach to learning and exploring the past and present. We are reading from the St. John's College Reading List. As we read foundational texts in the Western tradition, we examine mysticism, history, theology, the earth and physical sciences, mathematics, philosophy and government, as well as art, literature and music.

You may have heard that we are planning our 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival for April 28-29th, 2012! We plan to expand our festival activities to include a Book Fair, Career Pavilion, and even more great exhibits and performers! We are starting work on our school outreach activities such as the Kavli Video competition and songwriting competition now! If you are interested in being part of our Volunteer Outreach Team for the 2nd Festival, then please check out our Volunteer Information Ses …

From Andrew: While living on the west coast, I discovered the "Geek Club", a place for all things to please the inner geek in all of us! When I moved out here, I wanted to find something like that and I started this group. Our event types are really dependent on what the members ask for. Video games, museums, boardgames, movies & book discussions, it's all fair game! The group is open to all ages, genotypes, prototypes, and even meeples! From Michael:  Lived here all my life, and wanted to help …

Data Science DC is a non-profit professional group that meets monthly to discuss diverse topics in predictive analytics, applied machine learning, statistical modeling, open data, and data visualization. Our members are professionals, students, and others with a deep interest in these fields and related technologies. Meeting topics are varied and range from tutorials on basic concepts and their applications, to success stories from local practitioners, to discussions of tools, new technologies, …

The purpose of the group is for local writers to be able to gather and receive constructive criticism of their writing. The group includes several published authors in fiction, science fiction, fantasy and alternate history. I would prefer any new members to be mature adults; this is not to dissuade teens from writing, but rather to encourage them to form or join writing groups aimed at their demographic. I want this group to feel free to write and discuss possibly mature themes and writing genr …

This is a group for individuals in the DC/MD/VA area who are looking to meet new people, happy hours, having a good time and sometimes doing extremely geeky things!  Day or night - we love all things geeky. geek/gēk/ Noun: A person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest: "a computer geek".

I know there are some nice, liberal 20s-30s brainiacs out there in Bethesda...and I think it's past time for everyone to meet up! If you are an open-minded "young professional" dork, geek, science nerd, etc (you get my drift) but you also love being social and having a glass or two of wine, come on out and enjoy a happy hour with like-minded folks. People often message me about the age range -- we're a fairly young group!  If you're looking for something a bit different but still Nerdy, check ou …

We are the DC Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.  We help advance computing as a science and a profession.  We do this offline through lectures, workshops, discussion panels, and professional development seminars.  We partner with ACM HQ, ACM Public Policy, ACM special interest groups (SIGs), DC area technical user groups, and area university Comp Sci and Info Tech departments. Join us if you like any of the following categories: http://acm.org/sigs Suggest a topic or speaker, w …

The Philosophical Society of Washington (PSW), the oldest scientific society in Washington, invites speakers from the large, diverse scientific community in the Washington area to present results not yet in public awareness. The society attracts members who would like to be aware of the frontiers of diverse intellectual disciplines. Meetings are generally held every other Friday from October to May at the Cosmos Club. After the scheduled program, members have the opportunity to ask questions of …

Introduction This group explores the intersection of the data revolution and the art of creating value. Bring your inner data scientist and learn how people are not only doing cool things with data, but doing so in ways that help startups, businesses, and other organizations thrive. While we will always have industrial, academic, and government luminaries as speakers, this meetup will not just be about lectures and free pizza (or empanadas as we secure sponsors).  Simply put, we are building a …

Action Design is the art and science of designing products that help people take action in their lives. It entails: Designing the action itself so that it's easy to take, Structuring the environment to encourage the action, and Preparing the person to take the action, once and in the future. This meetup is for people in the DC area who are already doing this (under the banner of UX, behavioral econ, data science, and advocacy work), and who want to learn more about these skills.  [See http://w …

Theta Healing is a new and revoluntionary technique where science meets spirituality to manifest instant miracles in one's life. As we are approaching the year 2013, we will be ascending into higher and less dense energies. This shift will allow us to manifest instantly. Theta Healing allows us to eliminate any blocks we have that prevent us from creating our perfect reality. This heals us on a genetic, subconscious, physical, energetic, and soul level. This technique is for anyone that wants to …

The Data Science MD group is intended to be a gathering of professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the area to discuss diverse topics related to data science. We aim to have frank discussions on all topics related to the field of data analytics. No subject is too big or too small, as we believe analytics can operate on any scale. We plan to mix education with practical examples, helping users make the most of their time. Data Science MD on Facebook Data Science MD on LinkedIn Data Science MD …

Data Visualization DC is a non-profit professional group that meets monthly to discuss data visualization, data communication, infographics, exploratory data analysis, charts and graphs, perceptual psychology, and more! Our members are data journalists, data scientists, business intelligence professionals, and others who tell stories and persuade with data. Meeting topics are varied and range from tutorials on basic concepts and their applications, to success stories from local practitioners, to …

This is a group for events from Data Community DC that do not fit our other Meetups (Data Science DC, Data Business DC, Data Visualization DC, R Users DC). Job fairs, conferences, data drinks, weekend educational events, hackathons, etc.

This is a group for anyone interested in learning anything and everything about Data Science, Analytics, Big Data, Data mining, Predictive Analytics and Statistics. There are no presentations and pizza. Just learning and doing. We will follow Data Science/Analytics related courses offered on Coursera as a group and have regular meetups as the course progresses. Looking for people who are serious about hand on learning. Come out and join us!!!!

Monthly gatherings include a variety of speakers, presentations, films, group discussions – topics related to Noetic Science, consciousness, growth, awareness, expansion, metaphysics, and science. Together we are explorers of our humanity and spirit. "The term noetic sciences was first coined in 1973 when the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) was founded by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who two years earlier became the sixth man to walk on the moon. Ironically, it was the trip back home …

The dissertation process can be so isolating, which makes it difficult to keep up the momentum needed to complete a PhD. We'll meet regularly to check in, to share what's working for us and what's keeping us from making progress, and to provide feedback and encouragement. And then we'll celebrate together when we finally finish!