Fall 2024

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

Illuminating Discovery: The Role of Light in Basic Science
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A physicist who alters the fundamental properties of materials. A neuroscientist who activates synapses in the brain. And an astronomer who unveils new stars and galaxies. Join us as these scientists explain how they conduct groundbreaking research using light as their primary tool.

Moderated by
Jessica Lu, Associate Professor and Chair of Astronomy
Brianna Peck, undergraduate student, Astronomy Department
Max Huber, graduate student, Physics Department
Ehud Isacoff, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology, Neuroscience
Basic Science LIVE! It's Getting Hot in Here: Insights on a Warming World
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 3:30 PM

Join us for the first ever live version of Basic Science Lights the Way, as a panel of experts on the atmospheric, microbial, and ecological consequences of climate change explore the critical aspects of this urgent topic. Our faculty will break down the ways in which global warming alters our world, from the changing environments of many ecosystems to the effects of a rising heat index to increasing extreme weather phenomena. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the pressing environmental challenges we face, and the research being done to address them.

This event is both in-person and online; the link will be published here when it’s available.

Moderated by
William Boos, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Dipti Nayak, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, and Development
David Romps, Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Caroline Williams, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology
The Sound of Science: Connections between Neuroscience, Physics, and Music
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Does sound have a shape? How does sound become meaning for biological organisms? Can music be reconstructed through brain wave recordings? These questions and more will be answered in this event exploring the intricate relationship between neuroscience, physics, and music.

Moderated by
Frances Hellman, Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School, Physics; Dean Emeritus of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Robert Knight, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology
Frédéric Theunissen, Professor of Integrative Biology, Psychology, and Neuroscience
Terrence Buehler, Lecturer, Physics Department
Unearthing California's Prehistoric Past
Monday, November 18, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Three paleontologists will describe their research on the ancient flora and fauna of our state, and what secrets it can reveal about the place we call home.

Moderated by
Lisa White, Director of Education, UC Museum of Paleontology
Juan Liu, Assistant Adjunct Professor of Integrative Biology
Jack Tseng, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology
Emily Bogner, graduate student, Integrative Biology Department
Flowing Frontiers: Insights into Fluid Dynamics
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Fluid mechanics and dynamics play vital roles in many fields and on many scales. Hear from our scientists about how this area of research informs their work in earth science, mathematics, and engineering.

Moderated by
Per-Olof Persson, Professor of Mathematics
Madison Douglas, Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Philip Marcus, Professor of Mechanical Engineering

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.