Although many chemical discoveries have been the result of goal oriented research, there are a good number that have come about serendipitously. But as Louis Pasteur stated, “chance favours the prepared mind.”  William Perkin’s chance discovery of synthetic dyes, Fleming’s discovery of penicillin and the discovery of artificial sweeteners are just some of the examples to be explored.

Dr. Joe Schwarcz is Director of McGill University’s “Office for Science and Society and is well known for his informative and entertaining public lectures on topics ranging from the chemistry of love to the science of aging.  Professor Schwarcz has received numerous awards for teaching chemistry and for interpreting science for the public. He is the only non-American ever to win the American Chemical Society’s prestigious Grady-Stack Award for demystifying chemistry.  He hosts 'The Dr. Joe Show' on Montreal radio, has appeared hundreds of times on television and is the author of 13 best sellers.  Also an amateur conjurer, Dr. Joe often spices up his presentations with a little magic.