Watson Lecture Series

Named for the late Earnest C. Watson, who founded the series in 1922, these lectures feature speakers from Caltech and JPL, speaking on their cutting-edge research.

All Watson Lectures in the 2020-2021 season will be presented online via Zoom webinar.

Lectures are open to all and free to attend, but registration is required to receive your unique connection link. Please register for each lecture using the event links below.

Many past Watson Lectures are available for viewing online on YouTube or on iTunes U.

Upcoming Watson Lectures

All Events >

November 11, 2020 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - The Power of Nonlinearities: Unlocking Opportunities for Sensing and Computing with Light

Online Event

Alireza Marandi, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Caltech,

Learn More >

December 9, 2020 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - The Inner Life of the Brain: Fear, Sex, and Violence

Online Event

David J. Anderson, Seymour Benzer Professor of Biology; Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience Leadership Chair; Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Director, Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech,

Learn More >

January 13, 2021 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - Artificial Intelligence: How it Works and What it Means for the Future

Online Event

Yisong Yue, Professor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Caltech,

Learn More >

February 17, 2021 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - What Cosmic Fireworks Unveil About the Universe

Online Event

Mansi Kasliwal, Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, Caltech,

Learn More >

March 10, 2021 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - Perseverance on Mars

Online Event

Kenneth A. Farley, W.M. Keck Foundation Professor of Geochemistry, Division of Geological and Planetary Science, Caltech,

Learn More >

April 21, 2021 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - Sunlight to Everything: Catalyzing a Sustainable Future

Online Event

Jonas Peters, Bren Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Resnick Sustainability Institute, Division of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Caltech,

Learn More >

May 12, 2021 5:00 pm

Watson Lecture - From the Soil to the Clinic: How Infection-Causing Microbes Thrive Without Oxygen

Online Event

Dianne K. Newman, Gordon M. Binder/Amgen Professor of Biology and Geobiology and Executive Officer for Molecular Biology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech,

Learn More >