James D. Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his role in the discovery of the of the structure of DNA, and Edward O. Wilson, a pioneer in the study of biodiversity and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, will reflect on their storied careers, including their time together at Harvard, and look ahead to the key challenges for biological sciences in the 21st century. Moderated by Robert Krulwich, award-winning journalist and correspondent for National Public Radio.

Advance tickets are required. Admission is $10 for the public, $8 for Harvard Museum of Natural History members and current Harvard University ID holders; and $2 for Harvard University students. Tickets will be available beginning on July 28 through the Harvard Box Office in Holyoke Center (Harvard Square) or by calling 617.496.2222. The box office is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 12-6 pm. Sanders Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

The Watson-Wilson conversation is included as part of Harvard Museum of Natural History’s longstanding and successful public lecture series. These lectures, on a range of topics, including climate change, conservation, evolution, and the origin of life on earth, are attended by over 3,000 annually. The museum’s fall 2009 lecture series will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard. A later series will explore the natural history of food. Upcoming speakers include primatologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, paleontologist Michael Novacek, and Cristián Samper, Director of the National Museum of Natural History, as well as numerous members of the Harvard faculty.