(CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The fifth annual Mad Scientist Ball will be held at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center on Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

The Mad Scientist Ball is Sci-Quest’s premier adult fundraiser.

Guests will enjoy live music from American Lane as they browse the merchandise in silent and live auctions. Food and drinks will be served.

“Join us for a night of celebration to honor the Quest for Excellence Award winners for 2013,” Sci-Quest spokesperson Cyndy Morgan said. “Show your support for Sci-Quest’s efforts to inspire children with a lifelong quest for discovery through educational and interactive science.”

Nominations are open for the 2013 Quest for Excellence awards. The annual awards recognize outstanding contributions of individuals in the area in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Daniel Whitt, who teaches digital journalism at James Clemens High School, won the award in 2012.

“The 2013 awards are focused on energy and will be presented to (residents) who have, through ingenuity and innovation, made significant contributions to our understanding of, or applications in, the areas of energy science and technology,” Morgan said.

Deadline for award nominations is July 31. “An independent panel of individuals with expertise in technology development and innovation will review all nominations and select the awardees,” Morgan said.

“Sci-Quest is offering early-bird savings for tickets at $40 per person but will go up to $50 after July 31,” Morgan said. “Doors open at 5:30 p.m.”

Sci-Quest is located at 102-D Wynn Drive in Huntsville. The science center soon will move its operation to Madison Boulevard in Madison.

Early-bird tickets are $40 and available at sci-quest.org. For ticket or sponsorship information, call 256-837-0606.