Basic Science
Lights the Way
Division of Biological Sciences
Division of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
University of California, Berkeley
Spring 2026
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.
Schedule
Forecasting Future Pandemics: What Wildlife Tells Us
As climate change and habitat loss bring humans and wild animals into closer proximity, the chance for diseases spreading from wildlife to people increases. Hear our biologists discuss what their research into such zoonotic jumps could mean for future pandemics.
The Co-evolution of Earth and its Biosphere
The histories of the surface of our world and the life that inhabits it are inextricably linked. Life has an enormous impact on the chemical and physical evolution of a planet, and vice versa. Join a biologist, a chemist, and an earth scientist as they shed light on their research in the emerging field of geobiology.
Astronomy's Newest Discovery Machine: The Vera Rubin Observatory
Join us as four Berkeley astronomers share how they are using the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile - which contains the largest camera ever built and will create an ultra-high-definition time lapse of our Universe - to bring cosmic mysteries to light.
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.