To celebrate Charles Darwin’s 217th birthday, the University of 麻豆传媒 (CTAHR) Insect Museum in Gilmore Hall buzzed with scientific discovery on February 12. Darwin Day 2026 honored the importance of evolution and science in daily life showcasing a dynamic range of research from across the islands.
Scientists from the Kewalo Marine Laboratory showcased “tide pool critters,” including corals and various marine invertebrates.
“Darwin Day is about raising awareness of how science has a positive impact on everybody’s lives,” said Dan Rubinoff, UH Insect Museum director and CTAHR professor. “It’s really fun for us because it’s collaborative. We have so many other labs sharing their research with the public in this context”.
The Honolulu Zoo Society presented an educational display of skulls and “biofacts” to illustrate the impact of the environment on animal evolution.
The event also featured planthoppers from the UH Chong Lab, mantis shrimp from the UH Porter Vision Lab, Darwin’s finches presented by Luke Campillo, Native Hawaiian plants from Lyon Arboretum and endemic snails from the Bishop Museum.
Education and outreach
The event is part of the museum’s broader mission to support research and engage the public through tours and seasonal outreach events.
“We want people to take away that science is important and that they should support it,” Rubinoff said.
For more information on the museum and its collections, .
