Archive

You can watch events from previous seasons below.

Fall 2023

How Climate Change Affects You

From health problems to extreme weather events to social and environmental inequities, the effects of a changing climate on humans are broad and dangerous. Join us as a panel of experts breaks down the science behind these impacts, and how we might mitigate them in the future.

William Boos, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
John Chiang, Professor of Geography
Ronald Cohen, Professor of Chemistry and Earth & Planetary Science; Executive Associate Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society
Moderated by
Cesunica Ivey, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Biological Frontiers of Physics

The fields of physics and biology intersect in a myriad of ways, as they both seek to understand natural phenomena. Learn how Berkeley researchers apply physics principles to uncover biological processes, and how they collaborate across these scientific disciplines.

Hernan Garcia, Associate Professor of Physics and Molecular & Cell Biology
Oskar Hallatschek, Professor of Physics and Integrative Biology
Ahmet Yildiz, Professor of Physics and Molecular & Cell Biology
Moderated by
Abby Dernburg, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology

Science in the AI Era

There is no question that artificial intelligence touches almost every aspect of life, and its transformative power only continues to grow. Hear from Berkeley scientists about how AI informs their work and makes mind-blowing science possible.

Michael DeWeese, Professor of Physics
Weiqiang Zhu, Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Moderated by
Sandrine Dudoit, Professor of Public Health and Statistics; Associate Dean for the Faculty and Research, College of Computing, Data Science, and Society

The Future of Biology and Public Health

Two Berkeley Deans will discuss some of the biggest threats to public health and some of the greatest biological innovations on the horizon in this exclusive conversation.

Michael Botchan, Dean, Division of Biological Sciences
Michael Lu, Dean, School of Public Health
Moderated by
Sarah Stanley, Associate Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology and Public Health

Spring 2023

New Faculty Tales from the Lab

Beginning one’s career as a faculty member and setting up a lab for the first time are often herculean feats that include high highs, low lows, and lots of compelling anecdotes. Join us as our newest science faculty members share their stories of building their labs, working with students, and the future of their research endeavors at Berkeley.

Penny Wieser, Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
James Nuñez, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology
Eric Ma, Assistant Professor of Physics
Moderated by
Rebecca Heald, Co-Chair of the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology; Flora Lamson Hewlett Chair and Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology

Mathematics that Matter

High-level mathematics research is intricate and complex, and it can be difficult to understand how it translates into real-world problem solving. Our panel of mathematicians will discuss their work in applied mathematics, and what it means to apply mathematics to things such as physical and biological systems, fluid and solid mechanics, and computing.

Olga Holtz, Professor of Mathematics
Krutika Tawri, Morrey Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Moderated by
Per-Olof Persson, Professor of Mathematics

Repair and Regeneration of the Body

Our bodies are resilient organisms, with remarkable capabilities to heal themselves from trauma. Our panel of biologists will discuss their research in the ways that the body repairs itself, from PTSD recovery to regrowing heart cells.

Andrea Gomez, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Dirk Hockemeyer, Associate Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology
Megan Martik, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
Moderated by
Richard Harland, Senior Associate Dean of Biological Sciences; C.H. Li Distinguished Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development

Great Events in Evolution

Life on Earth has come a long way in the last few millennia. Berkeley’s brightest paleontologists and evolutionary biologists will come together to discuss their insights into how humans and other animals have evolved over the ages, and where we might be headed.

Rasmus Nielsen, Professor of Integrative Biology
Daniel Rokhsar, Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
Charles Marshall, Philip Sandford Boone Chair in Paleontology; Director of the University of California Museum of Paleontology; Chair of the Berkeley Natural History Museums; Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Moderated by
Mary Firestone, Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, Management

Fall 2022

Coping with Global Warming: Past, Present, and Future

We feel the effects of climate change at the cellular level and at the level of large physical systems, such as weather. Our researchers will show the effects of a warming planet on animals and plants, as well as the physical processes that determine Earth's future climate.

Cynthia Looy, Professor of Integrative Biology
Mary Power, Professor of Integrative Biology
David Romps, Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Moderated by
William Dietrich, Professor of Earth & Planetary Science

The Science of Wellness

What neural mechanisms are actually at play when you experience peace and contentment? What research-backed steps can you take to lead a happier life? A panel of experts discuss the science behind physical education and mental wellbeing, as well as the newly-created Health & Wellness minor at Berkeley.

Daniela Kaufer, Professor of Integrative Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology; Co-Director, Greater Good Science Center
Moderated by
Steven Murray, Director, Physical Education Program

Gravitational Waves: Messengers from Deep Space

First predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity and finally detected in 2015, gravitational waves are ripples in the curvature of spacetime generated by massive cosmic events, such as black hole collisions and neutron star mergers. Join us as our astrophysicists discuss the data they collect from these events, and what they tell us about the Universe, inflation, and much more. 

Dan Kasen, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Raffaella Margutti, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Uroš Seljak, Professor of Physics
Moderated by
Steven Kahn, Dean, Division of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Invisible Science

Every second of every day, millions of naturally occurring systems are at work, completely imperceptible to the human eye, yet profoundly impacting the world around us. From dark matter, the mysterious force that makes up approximately 85% of our Universe, to neutrinos, an abundant subatomic particle with a mass close to zero, to the protein machinery that facilitates the biochemistry of our cells, our researchers will shed light on the invisible particles and cells that are the building blocks of matter. 

Gabriel Orebi Gann, Associate Professor of Physics
Matthew Pyle, Assistant Professor of Physics
David Savage, Associate Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology
Moderated by
Russell Vance, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology, HHMI Investigator

Spring 2022

Mass Extinctions and Ancient Climate Catastrophes

What was the "Snowball Earth?" What caused the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period? An expert panel discusses the disasters of the distant past, and what the geological and fossil records tell us about the future.

Nicholas Swanson-Hysell, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Seth Finnegan, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology
Paul Renne, Professor in Residence, Earth & Planetary Science
Moderated by
Lisa White, Director of Education, UC Museum of Paleontology

The Future of Quantum Materials

Quantum materials, such as superconductors, graphene and topological insulators, are materials with "exotic properties" and great promise. A panel of experimentalists describes how these materials will enable many important technologies of the future, from energy to quantum computing.

James Analytis, Assistant Professor of Physics, Chair of the Department of Physics
Veronika Sunko, Postdoctoral Researcher, Orenstein Research Group
Kwabena Bediako, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Moderated by
Robert Birgeneau, Chancellor Emeritus; Arnold and Barbara Silverman Distinguished Professor of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Public Policy

The Life of a Brain - From Development to Degeneration

Berkeley's brightest neuroscientists shed light on the mysterious functions of the brain across the life span - what causes neurological developmental disorders, how perception and thought are coded, and how disease and injury may affect the mind.

Helen Bateup, Associate Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology
Daniela Kaufer, Professor of Integrative Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
Michael Yartsev, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Moderated by
Dan Feldman, Professor of Neurobiology

Science at the Extremes

From studying the origins of the universe in a low-oxygen desert in Chile, to large-scale volcanic eruptions in remote parts of the world, to highly infectious coronaviruses in biosafety level-3 labs, Berkeley researchers discuss what it's like to conduct science in extreme environments.

Adrian Lee, Professor of Physics
Stephen Self, Adjunct Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Britt Glaunsinger, Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology and Plant & Microbial Biology
Moderated by
Julia Schaletzky, Executive Director, Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Drug Discovery Center

Fall 2021

Land of Fire and Drought

Californians and other residents of the West face recurring threats from annual wildfires, persistent drought, and more ecological responses to climate change. An expert panel assesses our future environment.

David Ackerly, Dean of Rausser College of Natural Resources and Professor of Integrative Biology
William Boos, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Lara Kueppers, Associate Professor of Energy and Resources
Moderated by
Inez Fung, Professor, Earth & Planetary Science

When the Earth Shakes

A leading research university atop a seismic fault, Berkeley excels at studying earthquakes and creating early warning tools. What you should know to be informed and prepared.

Qingkai Kong, Research Scientist, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Sarina Patel, doctoral candidate, Department of Earth and Planetary Science
Roland Bürgmann, Garniss H. Curtis Chair of Earth and Planetary Science
Moderated by
Richard Allen, Interim Dean of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Graduate Student Rising Stars

Many faculty choose Berkeley in order to work with brilliant, inspiring graduate students. Tonight, a trio of them has the floor to discuss their research.

Susan Mullen, Department of Earth & Planetary Science
Emma Regan, Department of Physics
Arik Shams, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology
Moderated by
Michael Botchan, Dean of Biological Sciences

Inspired by Nature

From developing new therapeutics and lab-grown organs to designing dexterous robots, Berkeley scientists have their imaginations sparked by natural systems

Sunčica Čanić, Professor of Mathematics
Dana Foss, postdoctoral researcher, Innovative Genomics Institute
Robert J. Full, Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
James Analytis, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics

Creatures of California

The Golden State is a hotspot of biodiversity. Berkeley biologists investigate this remarkable fauna and flora.

Rauri C. K. Bowie, Professor of Integrative Biology and Curator of Ornithology
Todd E. Dawson, Professor of Integrative Biology and Environmental Science, Policy, & Management
José Pablo Vásquez-Medina, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
Caroline Williams, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology

Spring 2021

The Science of Aging

The human body and brain change with age. What have we learned about the underlying genetics and physiology of aging, as well as why it can lead to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases?

Andrew Dillin, Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research
Ashley Frakes, NIH F32 Research Fellow in the Dillin Lab
David H. Raulet, Esther and Wendy Schekman Chair in Basic Cancer Biology
Natalie Wolf, graduate student researcher in the Raulet Lab
Moderated by
Randy Schekman, Nobel Laureate and Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology

Data Science Meets the Physical and Biological Sciences

Big data and data science are much more than trendy buzzwords. Learn how diverse datasets combined with computational and algorithmic approaches are transforming research in many fields, such as astronomy, astrophysics, and human evolutionary genetics.

Ellianna S. Abrahams, Two Sigma Fellow and NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Departments of Astronomy and Statistics
Priya Moorjani, Assistant Professor of Molecular & Cell Biology
Rasmus Nielson, Professor of Integrative Biology and Statistics
Moderated by
Josh Bloom, Professor and Chair of Astronomy

Shedding Light on Black Holes

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics rewarded decades of research — some done at Berkeley — into the theory and detection of black holes. Learn what we know and still don’t know about these mysterious supermassive objects, including the one in the middle of our galaxy.

Chung-Pei Ma, Judy Chandler Webb Professor of Astronomy and Physics
Raffaella Margutti, Associate Professor of Astronomy
Michael Medford, graduate student researcher, Department of Astronomy
Moderated by
Jessica Lu, Associate Professor of Astronomy

Expanding Access and Acceptance in Science

Implicit bias and institutionalized racism hinder diverse perspectives from pursuing or participating in the sciences. Two esteemed biologists and an emerging quantum physicist consider the changes required to redress this problem and create equitable academic communities.

Diana Bautista, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Charles D. Brown, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Physics
Tyrone B. Hayes, Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
Colette Patt, Assistant Dean, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Innovations and Adaptations for Sustainability

Solving the global challenge of environmental sustainability requires ideas from experts across STEM fields and beyond. Our panel’s expertise spans from biodiversity in Amazonia to batteries and new planet-friendly materials.

Paul V.A. Fine, Professor of Integrative Biology
Alessandra Lanzara, Professor of Physics
Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Professor of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering
Moderated by
Charles R. Marshall, Philip Sandford Boone Chair in Paleontology

The Crisis of Drug Resistance

The unknown pandemic, evolving microbial resistance to antibiotics and other drugs presents a global challenge to combating infectious diseases. What strategies are emerging from chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and public health to discover or design new therapies?

Arthur L. Reingold, M.D., Professor of Epidemiology
Richmond Sarpong, Professor of Chemistry
Sarah A. Stanley, Associate Professor of Immunology and Pathogenesis
Moderated by
Michael A. Marletta, CH and Annie Li Chair in the Molecular Biology of Diseases

Rising Stars of Berkeley Mathematical and Physical Sciences

From the search for Earth-like planets to seeking knowledge of past climates on Earth, Berkeley’s early-career faculty in the physical sciences push the boundaries of basic research and teaching in their fields. Hear from professors in four MPS departments about how their work lights the way.

Courtney Dressing, Assistant Professor of Astronomy
Alexander Paulin, Teaching Professor of Mathematics
Daniel Stolper, Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Science
Norman Yao, Assistant Professor of Physics
Moderated by
Frances Hellman, Dean, Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Fall 2020

Basic Science Sampler

What do a neurobiologist, particle physicist, evolutionary biologist, and cosmologist have in common? They follow their curiosity and pursue discovery-driven research for fundamental knowledge and understanding. Learn the latest findings from their efforts.

Hillel Adesnik, Associate Professor of Neurobiology
Heather Gray, Assistant Professor of Physics
Britt Koskella, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
Saul Perlmutter, Nobel Laureate and Dabby Professor of Physics

Searching for COVID-19 Solutions

Many Berkeley faculty have refocused research priorities in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A panel of biologists explores diverse approaches to learning about this novel virus — including its ecology and evolution, molecular mechanisms of infection, and the hunt for therapeutic targets.

Diana Bautista, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Mike Boots, Professor of Integrative Biology
James Hurley, Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
Moderated by
Jeffery Cox, Faculty Director, Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases

Consequences of a Changing Climate

Experts on the atmospheric, oceanographic, microbial, and ecological connections to Earth’s climate share their big-picture perspectives on this urgent topic. How will climate change alter the cycling of carbon and methane in sea and sky? What is the outlook for the weather or biodiversity?

Bethanie Edwards, Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Science
Dipti Nayak, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, and Development
Caroline Williams, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
David M. Romps, Goldman Distinguished Chair in the Physical Sciences

Seeing Cells in a New Light

Recent breakthroughs in biological imaging using adaptive optics and novel types of ultra-high-resolution microscopes have enabled watching live cells in action in the brain and other tissues. Pioneers of these approaches describe how Berkeley’s new Advanced Bioimaging Center will be a visualization and data-processing powerhouse for the biological sciences.

Na Ji, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Physics
Robert Tjian, Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
Gokul Upadhyayula, Assistant Professor in Residence of Cell and Developmental Biology
Moderated by
Oskar Hallatschek, McAdams Chair of Physics and Integrative Biology

The Overactive Earth

Plate tectonics drives our dynamic planet, from earthquakes and volcanoes at surface subduction zones to convection deep in the mantle. A dynamic group of geologists and geophysicists discusses ways to study how the Earth operates, how it has changed over 4.5 billion years, and some unsolved mysteries.

Roland Burgmann, Professor of Earth and Planetary Science
Claire Doody, doctoral candidate, Department of Earth and Planetary Science
Harriet Lau, Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Science
Moderated by
Michael Manga, Professor and Chair of Earth and Planetary Science

Rising Stars of Berkeley Biology

Berkeley’s renowned biological research carries forward in these early-career scholars, who are decoding cues of brain activity behind behavior; studying mitochondrial DNA’s links to metabolic diseases; and examining molecular bases of chemical coevolution in plants and insects.

Andrea Gomez, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Samantha Lewis, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Noah Whiteman, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology
Moderated by
Matthew Welch, Francis Williams Chair in Biological Sciences

Quantum Information's Imminent Revolution

Ushering in the era of quantum computing, UC Berkeley serves as headquarters for the new Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Present and Future Quantum Computation. A panel that includes three of its scientific directors explores the institute’s research priorities and the campus vision for an integrated initiative across quantum science and technology.

Hartmut Häffner, Associate Professor and Mike Gyorgy Chair in Physics
Boubacar Kanté, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
Lin Lin, Associate Professor of Mathematics
K. Birgitta Whaley, Professor of Chemistry
Moderated by
Dan Stamper-Kurn, Professor of Physics