News: Faculty

2025

UChicago scientists invent breakthrough device to detect airborne signs of disease

June 1, 2025

Structured surface The scientists designed a surface with microscopic silicon spikes that help droplets form inside the device to be read. Each of the spikes (shown above in an electron microscope image) is about 1/200th the width of a human hair.

The new device created by Prof. Bozhi Tian's lab to detect molecules in air samples could one day be used to diagnose a wide array of diseases.
 


Computational tool predicts materials for new energy economy

June 1, 2025

Photo of metallic building with a large number of pipes.

Researchers in PME and Chemistry have developed a new computational tool that predicts which metal-organic frameworks will be most stable for a given need, such as catalyzing reactions to store and extract energy from chemical energy carriers without combustion.


2025 Research Day highlights growth with global impact

June 1, 2025

Faculty Director and Neubauer Professor of Computer Science and the College Nick Feamster recapped the Internet Innovation Initiative’s work testing the limits of internet speed measurement to facilitate real-time solutions.

The Data Science Institute’s annual event showcased cross-campus collaborations spanning climate science, government, and more.
 


AI is good at weather forecasting. Can it predict freak weather events?

June 1, 2025

Photo of swans in a body of river.

A new study from scientists from the University of Chicago found that neural networks cannot forecast “gray swan” weather events, which might not appear in existing training data but could still happen—like 200-year floods or massive hurricanes.
 


Can we authenticate human creativity?

June 1, 2025

Photo of professor Ben Zhao.

Ben Zhao discusses the effects of generative AI on the future of art and how to protect the future of creativity. 


Hands-on Vision: How a wrist camera can expand the world for all users

June 1, 2025

Diagram indicating a human's perspective and hands interacting with white environment.

A wrist-mounted camera and tactile feedback system from the Human-Computer Integration Lab redefines sensory substitution, helping users "see" through their hands for real-world object exploration and accessibility.
 


UChicago students received ACM Eurosys best paper for Cacheblend, a game-changer in AI speed and precision

June 1, 2025

Assistant Professor, Junchen Jiang.

CacheBlend by Asst. Prof. Junchen Jiang boosts AI speed and accuracy, earning ACM EuroSys 2025 honors. This open-source tool invites global collaboration to transform AI in key sectors.


New studies dismiss signs of life on distant planet

June 1, 2025

This artist's impression shows what the faraway planet K2-18b, its host star and an accompanying planet in this system might look like.

Astronomers Rafael Luque and Jacob Bean discuss new research and evidence regarding the chances of life on planets far from Earth. 


New device developed by University of Chicago scientists could find medical answers without blood tests

June 1, 2025

Structured surface The scientists designed a surface with microscopic silicon spikes that help droplets form inside the device to be read. Each of the spikes (shown above in an electron microscope image) is about 1/200th the width of a human hair.

Bozhi Tian explains in a CBS video the new medical device "ABLE" and how it can find medical answers through particles in the air. 


The Future of AI panel – Alumni Weekend 2025

May 30, 2025

Becca Willett, Kate Knibbs, and Ben Zhao at Alumni Weekend panel

Watch a dynamic panel discussion featuring leading Computer Science faculty—Michael Franklin, Becca Willett, Ben Zhao, and Ce Zhang—moderated by WIRED’s Kate Knibbs. This recorded conversation explores the future of AI, its societal impact, and pressing ethical issues like privacy, bias, and fairness.


Leinweber Foundation and University of Chicago establish a $23M endowment for theoretical physics

May 28, 2025

quantum simulation

New UChicago institute joins a $90 million nationwide network advancing fundamental inquiry and collaboration in physics.


2025 Ai+Science Hackathon challenges students to take on cutting-edge scientific problems with AI

May 24, 2025

Members of student teams presented their approaches to the audience of students, mentors, event judges, and other supporters.

Annual event invites students from across departments to apply machine learning methods to advance scientific discovery.
 


Prize Winners for Educational Excellence 2025

May 23, 2025

students in classroom

This year, ten PSD instructors and students have been honored for excellence in teaching the next generation of scientists.


UChicago announces 2025 winners of Quantrell and PhD teaching awards

May 22, 2025

David Cash (left) and Bryan Dickinson

Congratulations to Professor of Computer Science David Cash and Professor of Chemistry Bryan Dickinson! In recognition of their incredible teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, Cash received a Llewellyn John and Harriet Manchester Quantrell Award, and Dickinson was awarded a PhD Teaching and Mentoring Award.


Vincenzo Vitelli named Fellow-Ambassador by the CNRS

May 21, 2025

Vincenzo Vitelli

An internationally renowned theoretical physicist, Vitelli was recognized for his defining contributions to the fields of statistical physics, soft matter, and active matter.