News

2024

Award-winning, Distinguished Scientist Marcela Carena appointed new Executive Director of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

November 4, 2024

Marcela Carena

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (“Perimeter”) today announced the appointment of Marcela Carena as its new Executive Director. Carena succeeds Robert Myers, who recently completed his five-year term.


UChicago scientist develops paradigm to predict behavior of atmospheric rivers

November 4, 2024

satellite image of atmospheric river

Study by Asst. Prof. Da Yang provides powerful framework that sheds light on key processes driving extreme weather patterns.


A curious gift brings balance to Jones

October 30, 2024

Gömböc G1890

On October 28, a Hungarian diplomat delivered a curious mathematical object to its new permanent home at the University of Chicago: a convex three-dimensional metal sculpture called a Gömböc.


University of Chicago launches groundbreaking new institute to confront climate change

October 29, 2024

Image of UChicago with text

The University of Chicago launched the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, an ambitious effort combining frontier research in economics and climate policy, and key energy and climate technologies, with a pioneering approach to education. The result is a first-of-its-kind institute that will produce new and deeper understandings of the climate challenge as well as practical, effective solutions.


UChicago researchers use new method of finding atmospheres in distant planets

October 23, 2024

Artist rendering of what terrestrial exoplanet GJ 1132 b might look like

UChicago astronomers have tested a simpler, and more accurate way to determine whether or not exoplanets have atmospheres, a leap in learning more about the potential habitability of far-away planets. 


UChicago scientists create molecules that can ‘turn off’ cancer growth in mice

October 23, 2024

Illustration of one such HIF protein

A study from the UChicago showed a new way to target previously “undruggable” proteins involved in cancer by building a new kind of synthetic molecule. These results are encouraging and will further exploration into new methods to fight diseases.  


The long and strange lives of Enrico Fermi’s accelerator building at UChicago

October 23, 2024

Photo of the Accelerator Building

The University of Chicago Accelerator Building was home to a particle accelerator that for a decade made landmark contributions to the field of particle physics. However, decades after it was decommissioned, the high bay built to house it was used for everything from building telescopes to extracting dinosaur bones. Learn more about the history of this innovation hub.


South Side Science Festival offers up scientific fun and inspiration for all ages, draws 4,500 local attendees to UChicago’s campus at third annual event

October 23, 2024

Photo of a science demonstration

At the third annual South Side Science Festival, visitors of all ages were able to participate and observe fun and accessible science experiments: from opportunities to control robots and 3D printers to panels on health trends and AI to a paper airplane design contest and explosive liquid nitrogen demonstrations.


UChicago to discuss climate and energy, launch new institute at Oct. 30 event

October 23, 2024

Icon of green energy

On Oct. 30, UChicago will welcome world-leading scholars and leaders from industry and government to discuss climate and energy policy and research—culminating with the official launch of a groundbreaking new climate and energy institute at UChicago.  


Control the path and power of hurricanes like Milton? Forget it, scientists say

October 23, 2024

Icon of hurricane

In light of the devastating effects of hurricane Milton, scientists are discussing the possibilities and limitations of scientific responses to climate change. UChicago Prof. David Keith, faculty director of the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative, comments on the potential benefits of geoengineering.


The discovery of tools key to machine learning wins the 2024 physics Nobel

October 23, 2024

Animated icon of machine learning

The 2024 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their discoveries and contributions to the field of machine learning. In this article, UChicago Prof. Rebecca Willett comments on the importance of these scientists' work for the development of AI and neural networks.


The ‘beautiful confusion’ of the first billion years comes into view

October 23, 2024

Illustration of red dots

The James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled a new class of cosmic objects. They are colloquially called little red dots, and they indicate something in the early universe that had never been seen. UChicago Prof. Andrey Kravtsov speaks on the significance of this discovery. 


Department of Energy selects UChicago-URA-led Fermi Forward Discovery Group to operate Fermilab

October 17, 2024

Photo of Fermilab

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the UChicago-URA-led group Forward Discovery Group, LLC to be the new management and operators of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the nation’s leading particle physics and accelerator laboratory.


The Enduring Legacy of Gregory Voth: A Beacon of Innovation and Mentorship in Theoretical Chemistry

October 17, 2024

Portrait of Prof. Voth

Chemistry Prof. Gregory Voth was honored by the American Chemical Society with a symposium. Over four days, more than 60 speakers from around the country, made up of researchers, friends, and colleagues, came together to present on a wide range of topics influenced by Prof. Voth’s work. 


UChicago scientists receive grant to expand global data management platform, Globus

October 17, 2024

Globus cloud logo

The UChicago team led by Dr. Kyle Chard, Dr. Ian Foster, and Dr. Ben Blaiszik plans to create Globus Search, an expansion to Globus that will allow researchers to search, index, access, and manage data across multiple locations, from laptops to supercomputers.