Spring 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

Clear the Air: The Latest in Lung Research
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 5:00 PM
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UC Berkeley biologists are leaders in respiratory illness and lung research. At this event, we will explore recent discoveries made regarding tuberculosis, chronic airway inflammation, and the stem cell communication processes underlying lung cancer.

Moderated by
Andrew Dillin, Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
Sarah Stanley, Associate Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, School of Public Health
Diana Bautista, Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology
Ahmad Nabhan, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology
The Majestic Gas Giant: Uncovering Jupiter's Secrets
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 5:00 PM
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Tonight, three scientists will discuss what their research has revealed about our solar system's largest planet - from the fluid dynamics of the Great Red Spot to the mysterious magnetic tornadoes at its poles.

Moderated by
Michael Wong, Associate Research Astronomer, Space Sciences Laboratory
Troy Tsubota, undergraduate student; physics, computer science, and applied mathematics
Imke de Pater, Professor of Astronomy, Earth & Planetary Science
Philip Marcus, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
The Big Open Questions in Science: Junk DNA, the Multiverse, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 5:00 PM
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Scientists seek to answer humanity's biggest questions through careful observation and experimentation. Still, such fundamental problems as "Are we alone?", "What are we made of?", and "What is the nature of the Universe?" remain unanswered. Our researchers will weigh in on how each of them is chipping away at these mind-boggling mysteries.

Moderated by
Dipti Nayak, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, and Development
Dan Werthimer, SETI Project Director, Space Sciences Laboratory
Yasunori Nomura, Professor of Physics
Craig Miller, Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
Advanced Research on the Science You Learned in High School
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 5:00 PM
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Do you remember sitting in your high school science class wondering "when will I ever use this?" Join us as our experts share how they use the basic scientific topics of photosynthesis, gravity, and cell division to uncover fascinating truths about the world we live in.

Moderated by
Alex Filippenko, Professor of Astronomy
Elçin Ünal, Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
Moi Expósito-Alonso, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology
Guanda Lin, graduate student, Physics Department
View our past lectures

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.