NIU Today

For years, humankind has thought of capable, intelligent robots as the stuff of science fiction, from the friendly droids of “Star Wars” to the mechanical overlords of “The Matrix.” In fact, smart robots are already all around us – with more coming every day. The ongoing invasion of robots into our everyday lives is the...

All 7,500 participants in STEMfest 2015 had the opportunity to engage in a full day of hands-on fun exploring science, technology, engineering, and math. The sixth annual STEMfest included participants from more than 98 ZIP codes, 633 NIU volunteers and 85 exhibitors who offered more than 200 activities to explore. But many young attendees received...

Halloween might be over, but Northern Illinois University’s STEM Read will keep people screaming with “The Science of the Scare” at the Egyptian Theatre at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Horror fans are invited to participate in a variety of hands-on activities to learn more about the technology of haunted houses, the psychology of fear...

If you love “Game of Thrones“ – either the hit HBO show or the bestselling novels – you might think the story is pure escapism: a fantasy romp set in a faraway world of magic and dragons. In fact, its creators get a surprising amount right about the fundamental laws of science and physics. At...

The Martians have landed in DeKalb – and they did not come in peace! That’s the premise of STEM Read’s new adaptation of the classic 1938 radio play, “The War of the Worlds.” Throughout the winter and spring, STEM Read worked with Northern Public Radio and teens from DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa to imagine, write...

The Friends of NIU Libraries is hosting a panel discussion on fantasy fiction. The program, which is titled “Fantasy Fiction: Ask the Real Wizards,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Rare Books and Special Collections on the fourth floor of Founders Memorial Library. The discussion will be geared for a wide...

Are you smarter than your smart phone? Can you outdrive a self-driving car? The technology we rely on is becoming more and more sophisticated. Could humanity survive if that technology turned evil? Daniel H. Wilson, who explores the possibility of a machine uprising in his novel “Robopocalypse,” will visit NIU and the Sycamore Public Library this...

Imagine waking up in the heart of a vast maze with no memory except your name. Every day, you have to run the maze, searching for a way out. Every night, the maze fills with robotic monsters and its walls change positions. That’s the chilling premise of James Dashner’s best-selling young adult novel “The Maze...

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at NIU Libraries has landed a major new acquisition, thanks to a generous donation from renowned science fiction and fantasy author Lois McMaster Bujold. Bujold has donated the first of several expected installments of her manuscripts. Lynne M. Thomas, curator of Rare Books and Special Collections, said...

The Friends of the NIU Libraries will host a talk by award-winning author Lauren Beukes during her U.S. book tour to promote her latest novel, “The Shining Girls,” a thriller about a time-traveling serial killer. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 10, in the...

Lynne M. Thomas, curator of Rare Books and Special Collections for the NIU Libraries, has been nominated for three Hugo Awards, the leading award for excellence in the field of science fiction and fantasy. Thomas is nominated for Best Related Work for co-editing “Chicks Dig Comics,” a collection of essays by award-winning writers and artists...

Northern Illinois University Press won a first-place award at the 23rd Annual Midwest Book Awards for its book, “The Blue Kind,” in the Fantasy/SciFi/Horror/Paranormal Fiction category. The book was penned by Kathryn Born, a Chicago writer, artist and filmmaker. She also is the co-editor of “The Essential New Art Examiner“ which was also published by...