Darwin Synthetic Interview is a patented technology developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. The system allows people to ask questions of a historical figure, and receive answers from a videotaped actor portraying that individual.

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Pittsburgh’s synthetic Darwin will be housed as a new “permanent” exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. Questions to be answered by Darwin have been compiled through more than 1,000 interviews with students in local elementary, middle and high schools, and adults throughout Pittsburgh. More than 500 inquiries were collected and distilled into the 199 most frequently asked questions. 

Actor Randy Kovitz is transformed into Charles R. Darwin, at age 50 the year he published "On The Origin of the Species". (Photos by Deborah Hosking)

Answers to these questions in Darwin’s own words are drawn from a considerable body of knowledge, including his books, autobiography, and the thousands of digitized letters available through the Darwin Correspondence Project. Answers will cover all aspects of his life - childhood, marriage and family; travels and science; religion and philosophy.

Since Darwin died over 126 years ago, and a lot of scientific evidence has continuously confirmed the principles of evolution.  To bring this to light, the Synthetic Interview with Mr. Darwin includes the opportunity to hear from 13 modern experts including scientists, paleontologists, philosophers, theologians, clergy, and lawyers.

Children and adults who interact with the Synthetic Darwin will come away knowing more about the man, his work and the legacy of his science.