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 (CA) positions. Held by graduate students, these positions serve two important purposes: helping care for and expanding our natural history collections, and providing hands-on training in collections management.
For every $15,000 raised, we can create a Curatorial Assistant (CA) position for a graduate student:
- $10,000 for salary
- $1,000 for fringe benefits
- $3,500 for tuition sponsorship
- $500 for campus and course fee sponsorship
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.
This year, funds raised through the Biodiversity Bash will support our Curatorial Assistant (CA) positions. Held by graduate students, these positions serve two important purposes: helping care for and expanding our natural history collections, and providing hands-on training in collections management.
For every $15,000 raised, we can create a Curatorial Assistant (CA) position for a graduate student:
- $10,000 for salary
- $1,000 for fringe benefits
- $3,500 for tuition sponsorship
- $500 for campus and course fee sponsorship
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For questions, please email Christy Imel, Assistant Director of Development at imel@ku.edu or call (785) 864-0314.
Purchase Tickets
Tickets will be on sale in August!
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!
