2024
A scientific polymath paves her own path to intellectual freedom
September 24, 2024
![Portrait of Prof. Palmer](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Prof. Stephanie Palmer, whose work blends biology, physics, math, and computer science, is one of six new Schmidt Science Polymaths, a program to support creative, multidisciplinary researchers.
Should we risk geoengineering to reverse climate change?
September 20, 2024
![Animated icon of the Earth melting](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Scientists in the quest to mitigate climate change have proposed new ideas in geoengineering. A prominent proponent of this strategy, UChicago professor David Keith, believes it is essential to continue research efforts in this field.
Why have record-breaking rains drenched the Carolinas and Europe?
September 20, 2024
![Image of heavy rainfall](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Recently, Central Europe and eastern North Carolina have been affected by devastating floods. Prof. Noboru Nakamura, from the Geophysical Sciences department, comments on the unusual environmental conditions in the United States.
A Nobel-Prize winner and astrophysicist on the origins of life
September 20, 2024
![Drawing of Earth surrounded by stars](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
UChicago professor and Nobel Prize winner Jack Szostak is the co-author of a new book titled Is Earth Exceptional?: The Quest for Cosmic Life. In this new interview, Prof. Szostak and his co-author, astrophysicist Mario Livio, discuss the questions that fuel their scientific work.
Five UChicago CS students named to Siebel Scholars class of 2025
September 20, 2024
![Siebel Scholars photo grid](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Zewei Liao, Michael Rosenbaum, Brennan Schaffner, Lennart Maximilian Seifert, and Shawn Shan were selected to the prestigious program’s Class of 2025.
Was life on Earth inevitable or incredible?
September 19, 2024
![Animated icon of the galaxy](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
In this opinion piece, Chemistry Prof. Jack W. Szostak discusses the mysteries behind the origins of life on Earth and how these questions can inform scientists' search for life elsewhere.
4 Questions with Scott A. Snyder
September 19, 2024
![Portrait of Prof. Scott Snyder](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Prof. Scott A. Snyder has been appointed as the new Master of the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division. In a new interview, he shares insights into his research, his upcoming duties, and what has made his experience at UChicago unique.
Introducing new faculty in the Physical Sciences Division 2024-25
September 19, 2024
![new faculty members photo grid](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Please welcome the faculty joining the Physical Sciences Division in the ’24–25 academic year.
UChicago offers new master’s program in environmental science
September 19, 2024
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A new master’s program in environmental science at the University of Chicago will provide students with the foundational quantitative and data science skills needed across a wide range of environmental science disciplines, as well as the opportunity to specialize in areas such as climate science, biogeochemistry, ecology, and oceanography.
NSF and Simons Foundation launch $20 million National AI Research Institute in Astronomy
September 18, 2024
![SkAI](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
SkAI Institute will develop AI tools and accelerate astronomy’s data-driven revolution.
U.K. to fund ‘small-scale’ outdoor geoengineering tests
September 17, 2024
![Animated icon of global warming](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
A new $75 million investment in geoengineering research will analyze the efficacy of plans to artificially cool the planet. This initiative relates to the work and advocacy of UChicago Prof. David Keith, a leading figure in the field.
2024 Innovator of the Year: Shawn Shan builds tools to help artists fight back against exploitative AI
September 17, 2024
![Photo of Shawn Shan](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
Shawn Shan, a PhD student in computer science, was named one of MIT Technology Review’s 2024 Innovators Under 35. Shan helped create Glaze and Nightshade, tools that allow artists to protect their work from AI scraping.
Beckman Foundation revisits Sarah King’s spectroscopic research
September 17, 2024
![Portrait of Prof. Sarah King](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
In a new video, the Beckman Foundation highlights the research of UChicago Asst. Professor Sarah King in dynamic spectroscopy. King was a recipient of the 2020 Beckman Foundation Young Investigator Program award.
Third annual South Side Science Festival set to bring a day of discovery and scientific inspiration for all ages back to campus on October 5
September 17, 2024
![Photo of Science Fair event](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
This October marks the return of UChicago’s South Side Science Festival, fostering community between campus and South Side communities and expanding scientific engagement. The annual event is co-organized by the University’s Biological Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Division, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and Office of Civic Engagement.
Ben Zhao: One of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI
September 13, 2024
![Photo-Illustration by TIME](https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/shared-resources/i/template/transparent.gif)
The second edition of TIME100 AI showcases some of the most influential new leaders in AI research and technology. Featured in this year's list is UChicago's Computer Science professor Ben Zhao, the inventor of Nightshade, a program that helps protect artists' work from AI scraping.