The Scientific American Panel: Science in Fiction

The Scientific American Panel: Science in Fiction

Featuring Heather Frances, Isabel J. Kim, Matthew Kressel, and Sarah G. Pierce

Moderated by Brianne Kane

Food and wine reception to follow

THIS IS AN OFFICIAL 2026 BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BOOKEND EVENT

The Scientific American returns with a new panel exploring science in fiction, featuring four of this year's highly anticipated releases! Our panelists include Heather Frances, author of the instant USA Today bestseller Chase Me If You Can, where two storm chasers find a love that could blow them away, as they race through hail, high winds, and stormy skies; Isabel J. Kim, award-winning author of USA Today bestseller Sublimation—named one of the most anticipated books of Summer by The New York Times, NPR, and more—filled with doppelgängers, corporate intrigue, heartbreak, betrayal, and the harsh permanence of the border; and Matthew Kressel, acclaimed author of The Rainseekers—a NewScientist Best Science Fiction Book of 2026—about a former addict and recovering influencer who, burned out and looking to put her past behind her, interviews her fellow travelers en route to witness the first rain on Mars; and finally, Sarah G. Pierce, author of For Human Use, a twisted tale of modern love that bends every genre, sears itself into your brain, and presents a horrific romantic comedy unlike anything you’ve ever read before. Scientific American's Associate Books Editor Brianne Kane moderates the conversation, before an audience Q&A and signing!