Research on Tap, the successful series of public discussions featuring research and ideas from the University of Prince Edward Island, is hitting the road in 2015. The first stop is Tuesday, February 17 at 7 pm at Brothers 2 Restaurant in Summerside. The tour will kick off with a bit of patriotic zeal to Uncle Sam and friends. Dr. Richard Kurial, associate professor of history at UPEI, will lead a discussion entitled: The Debt of Western Civilization to the United States of America. “In the modern era,” argues Kurial, “all the freedoms enjoyed in the west—our political development, our economic well-being, and our safety—relies on the United States. We owe them a huge debt, and can repay that debt by endeavouring to understand the basis of their policies and initiatives.” Kurial will lay out his arguments in a brief talk, then open the floor to discussion and debate. “And I expect a healthy debate,” says Kurial with a wry smile. “These are not popular sentiments outside of the U.S., but we’d be worse off were it not for their compassion, vision, and generosity.” This season of Research on Tap is presented in cooperation with the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), Atlantic Chapter. The RSC is Canada’s national academy and is the senior national body of distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists.