ab initio thermodynamics and beyond A central goal of computational chemistry is to predict material properties using first-principles methods based on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. However, the high computational costs of these methods typically prevent rigorous predictions of macroscopic quantities at finite temperatures.In this talk, I will demonstrate how to enable such predictions ...
OceanOne is a robotic diver with a high degree of autonomy for physical interaction with the marine environment.  The robot’s advanced autonomous capabilities for physical interaction in deep-sea are combined with the cognitive abilities of a human expert through an intuitive haptic/stereo-vision interface. OceanOne was deployed in several archeological expeditions ...
Dr. Jessica Kendall-Bar is a Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Her research combines engineering, data science, ecology, and visualization to measure behavior and physiology of marine animals amidst a changing climate. For her dissertation, she developed a non-invasive system to record ...
Quantum information science seeks to exploit the collective behavior of a large quantum system to enable tasks that are impossible (or less possible!) with classical resources alone. This burgeoning field encompasses a variety of directions, ranging from metrology to computing. While distinguished in objective, all of these directions rely on ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Gaming and InclusivityJoin us for a captivating exploration into the intersection of gaming and inclusivity at our upcoming event on Monday, March 18, 2024 and engage in a thought-provoking conversation with diverse figures from the vibrant gaming world, with the spotlight on storytelling.Our panelists, including developers immersed in empowering storytelling through their ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Tuesday, 03/19/24
CRISPR: Opportunities and Challenges - LivestreamSpeakers:Jodi Halpern: Bioethics and Medical Humanities in the UCB-UCSF Joint Medical Program, Co-Founder and Co-Lead Berkeley Group for Ethics and Regulation of Innovative Technologies.Leah Witkowsky: molecular biologist by training who has applied her knowledge to a subsequent career in scientific governance, ethics, and multi-perspective engagement. Executive Director of the Kavli ...
Is it time for a vision of a better internet with a playbook to build the future?The internet of today is a far cry from its early promise of a decentralized, democratic network of innovation, connection and freedom. In the past decade, it has fallen almost entirely under the control ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 General, $15 Members in person, $10/Free web
A stethoscope and a magic wand both deeply listen to the heart, uncovering wishes more significant than a cure for the critically ill. Asking about these wishes reveals the most impactful gifts healthcare can offer, transcending traditional medicine. This approach, reminiscent of "The Little Prince," teaches us that true healing ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: Free
Astronomy on Tap Tucson #96: Galaxies Going Bananas + Space Drafts Trivia!On tap this month, we have Steward Observatory graduate student Haowen Zhang talking about how galaxies in the early universe are going bananas! We’ll also be hosting another trivia game featuring a Borderlands gift card as a prize, and of course, you won’t want to miss the latest Astronomy in ...
Fungal bioluminescence was first described by Aristotle (384-322 B.C.E.), and continues to fascinate and puzzle scientists today. While over 100 species of fungi are known to produce luminescent mushrooms or mycelium, the chemical and genetic basis of the light-producing reaction was only recently discovered, and the reason these fungi glow ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Wednesday, 03/20/24
New Directions in Greening InfrastructureAs the effects of climate change become more obvious, moving away from fossil fuels has only become more urgent. But to do so, new energy sources - and new infrastructure - are desperately needed.Please join us on Wednesday, March 20 from 12:00pm-1:30pm for a panel discussion, “New Directions in Greening ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Toward Holistic Bioimaging to Elevate Human HealthHolistic imaging of diverse functional, anatomical, and molecular architecture that span multiple levels, from cells to an entire system, remains a major challenge in biology. In this talk, I will introduce a series of technologies that enable integrated multiscale imaging and molecular phenotyping of both animal tissues and human clinical ...
We introduce an empirical framework for valuing markets in environmental offsets. Using newly-collected data on wetland conservation and offsets, we apply this framework to evaluate a set of decentralized markets in Florida, where and developers purchase offsets from long-lived producers who restore wetlands over time. We find that offsets led ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Virtual Tour: Caltrain Electric Trains Deep DiveIn advance of the in-person tour of Caltrain’s new electric trains, join us for a deep dive into the ins and outs of this electrification project. This is an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions prior to the tour.Sebastian Petty / Transportation Policy Manager, SPURBrent Tietjen ...
Where: Cost: Free
Berkeley Geographers’ multifaceted perspectives on California’s environmental changeBerkeley Geographers have a long and proud history of research on the hydroclimate and geomorphology of California. In this talk by Geography faculty, we will feature work by Berkeley Geographers on this topic, including changes in the distant past, rainfall and other hydrological trends in modern times and future, and ...
People concerned with the environment have long advocated for public policies that reflect that concern for the conservation of natural resources, and preservation of natural spaces. That advocacy comes from a recognition that 1) the environment can’t speak for itself in political processes, and 2) public policy is still the ...
Why slow down as you get older?Caroline Paul has always filled her life with adventure: From mountain biking in the Bolivian Andes to pitching a tent, mid-blizzard, on Denali, she has never been a stranger to the exhilaration the outdoors can hold. Yet through it all, she has long wondered, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General $10 Members
Communicating Algorithmic Science to the PublicAlgorithms increasingly pervade every aspect of daily life. The importance of this societal development is widely acknowledged, but how much does the public understand about the underlying science? This panel discussion brings together a theoretical computer scientist with science communicators specializing in math and computer science, to explore the question ...
The need for security surrounds us with phishing emails, mobile phone scams and enterprise breaches all too familiar. Privacy concerns have become part of our culture from privacy statements (few read) on every website to high-profile social media CEOs testifying before the Senate. AI is impacting nearly every industry and ...
They say that music soothes even the savage beast, and while we can’t vouch for any beast-related benefits, we are excited to welcome the brain-tingling Dan McCalley and Shell Space to the stage for this month’s Nerd Nite!Dan McCalley - “A New Era in Mental Healthcare: Brain Stimulation Therapy for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 Advance, $15 at door
The UFO Movie THEY Don’t Want You to See - LivestreamIn an age when misinformation, alternative facts, and conspiracy theories have become mainstream, UFOs have become one of the most talked-about phenomena throughout popular culture. What is in our skies? What do we know, and how do we know it? And most importantly: Are we being visited?Join us for a ...
Where: Cost: Free
At the Tipping Point: Promise to Our Planet 2024As we witness the far-reaching effects of climate change, from the retreat of Arctic ice to unprecedented heatwaves and ecological shifts, we acknowledge that we stand at a critical juncture. "At the Tipping Point'' delves into the dynamics of complex systems, emphasizing that seemingly small efforts can spark monumental change, ...
Where: East Palo AltoCost: Free
What Black Holes Reveal About Gravity’s Strangest Properties - LivestreamFrom hunting for black holes in the night sky, to discovering a new class of gravitational waves produced by black hole binaries, to studying how black holes obey the rules of quantum mechanics, three astrophysicists will expose how these mysterious massive objects hold the key to a fascinating new understanding ...
Dive into the ancient world with an incredible panel of experts discussing fossils, paleontology, and local digs! Learn more about the tooth discovered in Santa Cruz last year from Santa Cruz Museum’s Collections Manager Kathleen Aston, explore current research happening with paleontologist Wayne Thompson, and get some great insights into ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General adv. , $15 Members, Free for Students
After Dark: IlluminationExplore the wonders of light with 650+ interactive exhibits and brilliant conversations led by scientists. Play with your brain’s perception at Adapting to Color, investigate the mystery behind the Monochromatic Room, and prepare to have your mind blown by Bright Black. Don’t miss the talk between science journalist Joshua Sokol ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
NightLife is a DragSashay into a night of greatness and glam as we celebrate the undeniable impact and artistry of drag.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Why It's Not Too Late: Rebecca Solnit and John King on the Climate Stories we TellWriter, historian, and activist Rebecca Solnit is the author of twenty-five books on feminism, environmental and urban history, popular power, social change and insurrection, wandering and walking, hope and catastrophe. She co-edited the 2023 anthology Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility. Her other books include ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Astronomy on Tap Santa Cruz: A Cosmic Perspective on the Future of Life on EarthWe Live in a universe that is 13 billion years old. When considering the age of our universe, humans and human civilization have only been around for the blink of an eye. We may take it for granted that civilization and life on Earth will to continue to flourish indefinitely. ...
Join us on a journey through history, as we take a look at the lives and often overlooked contributions of the women who came before us. From groundbreaking research to pioneering discoveries, we will shed light on the work of trailblazing women who defied societal norms and made significant contributions ...
The Importance of Islands to Avian Evolution - LivestreamIslands play a key role in both the evolution of new avian species and the extinction of others. Because islands are isolated land masses, species which arrive on islands evolve separately from their parent group and through genetic drift eventually become unique. At the same time, because island species are ...
Human’s fascination with owls was first documented in the cave paintings at Chauvet in southern France. With their forward gaze and quiet flight, owls are often a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight. But what does an owl really know? And what do we really know about owls? Some 260 ...
Join us for a dynamic discussion about the future of Al governance - what’s behind the hype, who’s at the table, and what’s at stake for our society.Panel: Martha Minow, Harvard University; DJ Patil, First US Chief Data Scientist; Jennifer Chayes, UC BerkeleyRoom: Booth Auditorium
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Designing Advanced Nanocatalysts by Looking at Atoms and Molecules on Reactive SurfacesClarification of the nature of active sites at both solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces has been a long-standing question in surface chemistry, holding paramount significance in crafting innovative catalytic materials that demand minimal energy consumption. A bimetallic Pt alloy, or mixed catalyst, is an excellent platform to uncover the contentious role ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Can Psychedelics Catalyze Genius in the Sciences and Arts?Dr. Bruce Damer is a scientist who had a major breakthrough, catalyzed by his ayahuasca and other psychedelic experiences, in which he saw how life might have originated. Presented to colleagues and appearing in published journal articles, the vision has crystallized into solid science that grapples with one of the ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $25 - $55
Saturday, 03/23/24
Morning Hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space PreserveJoin POST for this guided hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve! A POST Representative will share a few words about POST’s decades of conservation success before hiking groups leave to explore a moderate to strenuous 4.5 mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain.POST has made many contributions towards ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
RocketfestBlast off to Chabot Space & Science Center for a day filled with hands-on fun! The Center is hosting our first-ever Rocketfest. These feats of engineering allow us to send satellites into orbit, study Earth’s upper atmosphere and eventually send humans to other planets. Discover more about rockets through hands-on ...
Where: OaklandCost: TBA
Junipers Junior Naturalist Family Flower DayWant to learn more about flowers? How to identify them? Figure out what pollinates them? Do some observational drawing? Join us for a day all about flowers at Bouverie Preserve. We will stroll through the various habitats of the preserve to find all the flowers we can. And who knows ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: Free
Native vs. Non-native at VasonaMeet various native and non-native animals of Santa Clara County. Learn about the critical roles the native animals play and the negative effects the non-native ones play. Have an up-close interaction with some amazing critters!Ages 7 - 12A registered adult must accompany their child(ren)
Take a relaxing walk in an area that often has striking sunsets while learning about the Don Edwards SF Bay Refuge. Image DetailsExperience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along refuge trails (about .6 miles). At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of ...
Where: FremontCost: Free
Very Small Interplanetary Spacecraft - Crazy and Crazier - LivestreamThis research project began with a simple question: what is the smallest spacecraft that can deliver a cell phone camera to within one diameter of a near earth asteroid, take a few thousand pictures, and then return to earth and download the images? Two proposed solutions have emerged, both weighing ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
When Worlds CollideOur solar system used to be a much more violent place, with early planets crashing into each other to create the worlds we see today. The talk is about how we use supercomputer simulations to study these cataclysmic giant impacts, and how high-resolution advances are helping us to tackle unsolved ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Sunday, 03/24/24
Coastal Walk at Pillar Point BluffJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a beautiful walk at Pillar Point Bluff just north of Half Moon Bay! You will be guided by POST ambassadors who will share details about the area’s interesting natural history, from the coastal scrub habitat to the Fitzgerald Marine Preserve which hosts tide pools ...
