Fall 2025

UC Berkeley is renowned for cutting-edge, curiosity-driven scientific research that results in paradigm-shifting discovery — fundamentally changing our understanding of nature, the universe, and ourselves. This tradition continues as strong as ever. Do you share our curiosity? The College of Letters & Science’s Division of Biological Sciences and Division of Mathematical & Physical Sciences invite you to join this series of enlightening virtual discussions, featuring our brilliant faculty and students.

All events will be held via Zoom at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Use one of the Register buttons below to sign up in advance.

Follow Your Curiosity

Schedule

The Power of Curiosity: Unlocking the World through Basic Science
Monday, October 27, 2025 | 5:00 PM

It is impossible to predict the future applications of curiosity-driven research, but that is what makes it so exciting. Fundamental science done at Berkeley has proven to uncover major discoveries that change the way we see the world - just take CRISPR-Cas9, the laser, and telomerase, for example. Come hear about how the work of a microscopist peering inside brains, a physicist searching for dark matter, and a biologist studying natural killer cells could answer questions we never dreamed of asking in the first place.

Moderated by
Katherine Yelick, Vice Chancellor for Research; Robert S. Pepper Distinguished Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
Benjamin Safdi, Assistant Professor; Henry Shenker Professor in Physics
David Raulet, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology; Esther and Wendy Schekman Chair in Basic Cancer Biology
Na Ji, Professor of Neuroscience and Physics
The Innovative Genomics Institute: A Decade of CRISPR Tech
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 5:00 PM

2025 marks ten years since Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna founded the Innovative Genomics Institute, where scientists are developing the next generation of genome engineering tools to treat currently incurable human diseases, and create sustainable solutions for agriculture and food security in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Come hear from the institute's leading minds about their work in this field and their vision for the next decade.

Moderated by
Brad Ringeisen, Executive Director of the Innovative Genomics Institute
Carlotta Ronda, Principal Investigator at the Innovative Genomics Institute
Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology; Director of Technology & Translation at the Innovative Genomics Institute
Exploring the Quantum Frontier
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 5:00 PM

The United Nations has named 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, highlighting one of the most exciting frontiers in science today. UC Berkeley physicists are leading the charge, exploring discoveries that could transform computing, communication, and our understanding of the universe. Come hear from a quantum measurement expert, a newly arrived theorist, and a standout graduate student as they share how their work is bringing the mysteries of the quantum world to light.

Zoom Link.

Moderated by
Claire Cramer, Executive Director of Berkeley Quantum
Shimon Kolkowitz, Associate Professor and Herst Chair in Physics
Aziza Suleymanzade, Assistant Professor of Physics
Jacquelyn Jae-Yi Ho, Graduate student, Physics

Contact

To connect with us, please fill out this form or contact External Relations at . If you require an accommodation for effective communication in order to fully participate in this series, please provide as much advance notice as possible and at least seven days before a specific event date.