Biodiversity Bash
September 25, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
KU Conference Center
Join us for Biodiversity Bash!
Celebrate our mission at the new University of Kansas Conference Center during Biodiversity Bash, our first fundraiser since 2018. Proceeds from the evening will support future graduate student recruitment and training in collections-based biodiversity research.
This vibrant event will bring together community members, scientists, and graduate students for a night inspired by the wonders of the natural world.
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 6-9 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.; program begins at 7:30 p.m)
Location: KU Conference Center, 815 Fambrough Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
This year, funds raised through the Biodiversity Bash will support our Curatorial Assistant positions. Held by graduate students, these positions serve three important purposes: actively investigates museum specimens to produce new knowledge, helps care for and expands our natural history collections, and provides hands-on training in collections management and curatorial practices.
Curatorial Assistants play a critical role in a wide range of collections activities, from preparing loans and processing data requests to integrating new material into the collections.
For every $15,000 raised, we can create a Curatorial Assistant position for a graduate student. $15,000 helps cover:
- Salary
- Fringe benefits
- Tuition
- Campus and course fees
Through this experience, graduate students develop the skills needed to steward research collections and support scientific discovery throughout their careers. Many go on to work at museums, universities, and research institutions around the world, where they continue the important work of preserving and growing natural history collections for future generations.
The KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum is an internationally recognized center for research and graduate student education in archaeology, evolutionary biology, systematics, and biodiversity informatics, with curated research collections of over 11 million plant, animal, and fossil specimens and 2 million cultural artifacts.
Our mission is to study past and present life on Earth to educate, engage and inspire.
Natural history collections are essential archives of past and present life on Earth. They help scientists answer critical questions about biodiversity and ecology, while also providing the data needed to model and forecast environmental challenges that affect human well-being. From tracking threatened and endangered species to understanding the spread of infectious diseases and the impacts of climate change, these collections are invaluable resources for research, education, and conservation in a changing world.
This year, funds raised through the Biodiversity Bash will support our Curatorial Assistant positions. Held by graduate students, these positions serve three important purposes: actively investigates museum specimens to produce new knowledge, helps care for and expands our natural history collections, and provides hands-on training in collections management and curatorial practices.
Curatorial Assistants play a critical role in a wide range of collections activities, from preparing loans and processing data requests to integrating new material into the collections.
For every $15,000 raised, we can create a Curatorial Assistant position for a graduate student. $15,000 helps cover:
- Salary
- Fringe benefits
- Tuition
- Campus and course fees
Through this experience, graduate students develop the skills needed to steward research collections and support scientific discovery throughout their careers. Many go on to work at museums, universities, and research institutions around the world, where they continue the important work of preserving and growing natural history collections for future generations.
The KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum is an internationally recognized center for research and graduate student education in archaeology, evolutionary biology, systematics, and biodiversity informatics, with curated research collections of over 11 million plant, animal, and fossil specimens and 2 million cultural artifacts.
Our mission is to study past and present life on Earth to educate, engage and inspire.
Natural history collections are essential archives of past and present life on Earth. They help scientists answer critical questions about biodiversity and ecology, while also providing the data needed to model and forecast environmental challenges that affect human well-being. From tracking threatened and endangered species to understanding the spread of infectious diseases and the impacts of climate change, these collections are invaluable resources for research, education, and conservation in a changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Come dressed for a party! We suggest upscale casual so you can enjoy the evening in comfort and style.
No, all tickets to this event are electronic. Just bring yourself!
To be determined. Parking information will be updated when tickets go on sale in August.
Yes! Food and beverages (including select alcoholic beverages) are included with all tickets. Information on food and beverages will be updated when tickets go on sale in August.
This event will feature new activities that invite participants to experience research the way our students do — hands-on and up close.
Because this is an evening event with alcohol, we suggest leaving the kids at home. However, the museum has many kid-friendly events throughout the year. For more information on upcoming museum events visit our Events Calendar.
For questions, please email Christy Imel, Assistant Director of Development at imel@ku.edu or call (785) 864-0314.
Purchase Tickets
Museum Member Presale: Begins August 5th
General Ticket Sales: Begins August 7th
Museum Member: $100 per ticket, or $750 for a table of 8
Non-member: $125 per ticket or $950 for a table of 8
Become a Sponsor
Our students are future biodiversity science leaders, and play an essential role in building and maintaining our natural history collections, advancing scientific knowledge, and uncovering stories about Earth’s past and present life. Support their success and become a sponsor!
Sponsor Sheet (PDF)Thank you to our sponsors!
