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Watson Season

Caltech's Beckman Auditorium

Join a Community of Curiosity

Guests holding space props and getting their photo taken

What have scientists learned from the 2025 Los Angeles fires? What can the 13-year journey of Curiosity tell us about the habitability of Mars? How do batteries work? Find out this season at the Watson Lectures, only at Caltech.

Ready to join a community of curiosity? Register for a Watson Lecture today.


Meet the Speakers

October 22, 2025

Learn how molecules can sense fundamental particles and forces with Nick Hutzler (BS ’07).

Past event: Watch now at YouTube.com/@Caltech.

November 19, 2025

Learn about the habitability of Mars as revealed by the 13-year journey of the Curiosity rover with Ashwin Vasavada (PhD ’98).

Past event: Watch now at YouTube.com/@Caltech.

January 21, 2026

Learn about Caltech's role in addressing environmental lead pollution, both historically and following the 2025 LA fires with Francois Tissot.

February 25, 2026

Learn about how batteries work and their place in our energy landscape with Kimberly See.

March 25, 2026

Learn about how physics and AI are working together to illuminate the hidden universe with Katie Bouman.

April 29, 2026

Learn about the gut microbiome-brain connection in neurodegenerative disease with Sarkis Mazmanian

May 20, 2026

Learn about how people make decisions–and mistakes–with Kirby Nielsen.


Join us at the Preshow

Each Watson Lecture offers you the chance to socialize with fellow science-lovers and preview the night's topic at the signature preshow.


Photo credits: Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Lance Hayashida/Caltech