Sanford Lab invites public to Nobel Day celebration with Nobel Laureate Art McDonald

LEAD, SD— Sanford Underground Research Facility’s (Sanford Lab) invites the public to a virtual “Deep Talks: Nobel Day” celebration on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 5:40 to 7:00 p.m. MST. Join us for a presentation from Nobel Laureate Art McDonald, a donor recognition ceremony and presentation of the CORES Award (Communication OutReach Experiences in Science).

Sanford Lab proudly announces our Nobel Day keynote speaker, Dr. Art McDonald, who received a share of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics. McDonald’s work with the SNO Experiment was instrumental in resolving the long-standing solar neutrino problem, created when Ray Davis’ Homestake Experiment detected only one third of the expected number of neutrinos coming from the Sun.

“These questions in particle physics relate very strongly to the evolution of the universe; it’s really a study of our origins,” said McDonald. “It is a value, in fact, to humanity to understand how our world works by investigating the laws of physics work at a very basic level.”

McDonald will explore the connections between Davis’ research in the 1960s and the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have mass.

McDonald’s talk will follow a donor recognition ceremony, which begins at 5:40 p.m., and a presentation of the CORES Award, which begins at 6:00 p.m.

During the donor recognition ceremony, Staci Miller, director of the SURF Foundation, will recognize and thank the donors and sponsors who help the SURF Foundation continue its mission of supporting the advancement of world-class science and inspiring learning across generations.

“Thank you is one of the simplest and most powerful phrases we can say,” Miller said. “Holding a donor recognition event is just one way we are able to thank our donors for their generosity. It is a way for us to share their stories and why philanthropy is important to them.”

On Nobel Day, Sanford Lab will present the CORES Award to Black Hills Energy, recognizing this corporation for their support of science outreach in the Black Hills region. The CORES Award is given annually to an individual, group, business or organization that supports Communication and OutReach Experiences in Science within the region. The recipient is selected by a committee that takes into consideration ongoing support of science education—whether through sponsorships or service—a passion for science education and a visible commitment to science outreach in the region. 

“We recognize SURF as a leader in science and research in the region and the world. This award was unexpected but we are very excited and very humbled,” said Marc Eyre, director of electric operations at BHE. “We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to working with SURF in the future.”

Join the event at 5:40 p.m. to enter to win a door prize from Crow Peak Brewing Company. Prizes include a growler with one fill, a six pack of Crow Peak’s locally brewed craft beer, and a gift certificate with a Crow Peak t-shirt.

Attendees can join this event via Zoom webinar to answer polls and submit questions for our speaker or watch live on Sanford Lab's Facebook page. Webinar space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. View full event information and register for the Zoom webinar on Sanford Lab’s website.

Sanford Lab is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy. Our mission is to advance compelling underground, multidisciplinary research in a safe work environment and to inspire and educate through science, technology, and engineering. Visit Sanford Lab at www.SanfordLab.org.