Center for Science and Society

The stretch of Amsterdam Avenue near 116th and 118th Streets feels quieter than Morningside Heights’ busiest blocks, yet the area hums with university life. Center for Science and Society anchors that energy—right inside the ivy-covered walls of Fayerweather Hall. Visitors circle the building for colloquia, workshops, and public lectures touching everything from bioethics to climate policy. Their Science & Society Seminar Series brings scholars together several times each semester; interdisciplinary conferences on data privacy, aging research, and tech governance draw audiences far beyond campus. The institute’s seed-grant program has funded dozens of pilot studies that otherwise might stall in early stages. Behind the arched brownstone doors sits a neutral base for curiosity-driven inquiry. They maintain an open archive of working papers and policy briefs anyone can download—no password required, no subscription needed. Collaborative spaces host cross-departmental meetups, while visiting fellows rotate in for month-long residencies. Summer research assistantships pair undergraduates with faculty, turning classroom theory into lab-hour practice. That rotation keeps the Center for Science and Society plugged into both scholarly debate and real-world impact. The building’s red-brick façade whispers history; the work inside builds new connections. To reach them, head to Fayerweather Hall, 511, 1180 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027. A quick subway hop on the 1/2/3 or the A/B/C/D gets you within two blocks; most visitors arrive via the 116th Street stop. The four-story structure stands on the east side of the avenue, its main entrance tucked just south of the Gothic arch. Find directions on the map: Center for Science and Society on Google Maps. When you dial (212) 854-0666, the main line routes you to the front desk or the events line depending on the day and hour.