Past Events

2026

Giving Day 2026

Through April 1, 2026

Giving Day 2026 starts on March 31 at noon! For more than a century, the Physical Sciences Division (PSD) at the University of Chicago has defined the frontiers of astronomy, chemistry, computer science, geophysical sciences, physics, mathematics, and statistics. Rooted in bold inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration, the PSD stands at the intersection of academic excellence, innovative partnerships with national laboratories, and pioneering research that drives the next wave of scientific inquiry. Your support during Giving Day fuels our ability to continue broadening student opportunities and advancing the transformative research that defines the PSD!

Mar 31

German Funding Information Session

10:30 am–12:15 pm Regenstein Library, Room 122

UChicago Global will host a German Funding Information Session. Representatives from leading German research organizations will provide an overview of funding programs, mobility schemes, and collaboration opportunities available to UChicago faculty, researchers, and students. Advance registration is required.

Mar 30

Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series | The Astroparticle Lens: Using Particles from Space to Understand Our World

11:00 am–12:00 pm Kersten Physics Teaching Center, room 106

Lecture series by Grainger Fellow Keith McBride will explore how these “messengers across the Universe” have evolved into a high-precision interdisciplinary toolkit with vast potential to enable scientific discoveries. This event is free and for the public.  Attend in person or watch the livestream.

Mar 28

Project Hail Mary and the Science Behind Blockbuster Sci-Fi

2:45–3:30 pm Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, Room S401-ABC

The recent slate of sci-fi blockbusters like Project Hail Mary, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Predator: Badlands are pushing the limits of imagination and fueling the inspiration of real scientists. Meet ground-breaking researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago to explore the science behind Project Hail Mary and other sci-fi films that have captivated moviegoers recently, and ask questions about making sci-fi a reality.

The panel is part of the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.

Mar 27

2025

Physics With A Bang!

11:00 am–4:00 pm Kersten Physics Teaching Center, Rm 106

Physics With A Bang! is a science event for the entire family! Enjoy fast, loud, surprising and beautiful physics demos, plus lab tours!

Dec 13

Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series--An Intro to Climate Systems Engineering

11:00 am Kersten Physics Teaching Center, room 106

An Introduction to Climate Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary exploration of emerging approaches to reduce climate change itself and mitigate some of its risks. Featuring talks by leading researchers from the University of Chicago’s Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEI), this series will examine the science, technologies, and policy implications behind large-scale interventions such as sunlight reflection methods (SRM), open-systems carbon removal, and glacial preservation. Join us for a primer on what’s possible with this emerging field and what kinds of public policy and research are needed if society chooses to pursue these tools.

Nov 22

Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series--An Intro to Climate Systems Engineering

11:00 am Kersten Physics Teaching Center, room 106

An Introduction to Climate Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary exploration of emerging approaches to reduce climate change itself and mitigate some of its risks. Featuring talks by leading researchers from the University of Chicago’s Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEI), this series will examine the science, technologies, and policy implications behind large-scale interventions such as sunlight reflection methods (SRM), open-systems carbon removal, and glacial preservation. Join us for a primer on what’s possible with this emerging field and what kinds of public policy and research are needed if society chooses to pursue these tools.

Nov 15

Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series--An Intro to Climate Systems Engineering

11:00 am Kersten Physics Teaching Center, room 106

An Introduction to Climate Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary exploration of emerging approaches to reduce climate change itself and mitigate some of its risks. Featuring talks by leading researchers from the University of Chicago’s Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEI), this series will examine the science, technologies, and policy implications behind large-scale interventions such as sunlight reflection methods (SRM), open-systems carbon removal, and glacial preservation. Join us for a primer on what’s possible with this emerging field and what kinds of public policy and research are needed if society chooses to pursue these tools.

Nov 8

Arthur H. Compton Lecture Series--An Intro to Climate Systems Engineering

11:00 am Kersten Physics Teaching Center, room 106

An Introduction to Climate Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary exploration of emerging approaches to reduce climate change itself and mitigate some of its risks. Featuring talks by leading researchers from the University of Chicago’s Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEI), this series will examine the science, technologies, and policy implications behind large-scale interventions such as sunlight reflection methods (SRM), open-systems carbon removal, and glacial preservation. Join us for a primer on what’s possible with this emerging field and what kinds of public policy and research are needed if society chooses to pursue these tools.

Nov 1

Memorial Symposium In Honor Of David Rowley

9:00 am–5:00 pm Henry Hinds Laboratory, Room 101

Memorial Symposium In Honor of David Rowley, hosted by: Sunny Park and Andrew Campbell

This seminar will be given both in person and over Zoom.

Oct 31