2026
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2025 Nuveen Lecture delivered by Daniel Holz: Reflections on the Beginning and End of Everything
5:00–6:30 pm Swift Hall Third Floor Lecture Room
Physics provides us with a shockingly successful description of the universe from a tiny fraction of a second after the Big Bang until today. The Divinity School’s 2025 Nuveen Lecture will explore how these insights might inform thinking about existential risk, suggesting that it falls upon all of us to prevent a self-inflicted catastrophe. This observation is especially salient given that the Doomsday Clock now stands at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been, signifying that this might be the most dangerous moment in the history of civilization.
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.
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.