From the lab to the living room, the research and innovation taking place at the University of Arizona impacts the state, the nation and the world. But how will that science influence our collective future? 

Whether it's breakthroughs in health and wellness or advances in fusion energy and artificial intelligence, this year's College of Science Lecture Series will explore a variety of developments and disciplines with key roles to play in defining the next era of scientific discovery.

"This lecture series is one of the ways that the University of Arizona engages the community to share how our work on campus impacts people's lives here in Tucson and around the world," said Carmala Garzione, dean of the College of Science. "The University of Arizona is an incredible asset to the city of Tucson, the state of Arizona, the nation and the world – and we think it's important to provide fun and curiosity-quenching stories about how university research and education support our communities."

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the public lecture series, which launched in the spring of 2006. Over the past two decades, the series has allowed leading researchers to engage the public in conversations about groundbreaking research conducted at the U of A. 

Garzione said she was encouraged to see in-person attendance for the series increase after switching from an online-only format during the COVID-19 pandemic back to the traditional in-person format in 2022. The lecture series is a key part of the college's mission to not only foster faculty innovation and student education, but to promote scientific literacy and community engagement, she added.

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"These lecturers connect their work with some of the biggest challenges and opportunities that we're facing." Garzione said. "Attendees will be able to engage with great examples of how current research fuels discoveries and technological advances toward a future world with improved human health and well-being, an abundant and renewable supply of energy, and a healthy planet."

The free lecture series begins Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 25 over four installments at Centennial Hall. The lectures will be live-streamed on the College of Science YouTube page, where they will remain available for future viewing. Doors open to the public each night at 6:15 p.m., with lectures beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting about an hour. Tickets are required for entry to Centennial Hall and can be reserved online at no charge via Ticketmaster. Free tickets will also be available at the door the evening of each lecture.

The following lectures are part of the 2026 College of Science Lecture Series, titled "Today's Science, Tomorrow's World."

Feb. 4: "Aging Science: Preventing Disease at Its Source"
When so many leading causes of death share the same risk factor, perhaps it is time for medical professionals to change how they think about disease. George Sutphin, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology, will explain how researchers are using aging science to target the biological processes that drive aging to prevent many common diseases to extend the healthy, functional years of life. A transition from sick care to truly preventative medicine, Sutphin will share how understanding aging represents a revolution in health care.

Feb. 11: "From Fruit Flies to Future Cures: How Tiny Insects are Driving Big Discoveries in Brain Science"
Despite their numerous arms and legs, chitinous shells and distinct lack of bones, insects actually share a surprising majority of their genetic sequence with humans. That means studying the nervous system of creepy crawlies could lead to a better understanding of learning, memory, motion, aggression and even the development of complex organs such as the brain. Martha Bhattacharya, associate professor of neuroscience, will explain how scientists use fruit flies to uncover fundamental tenets of the brain's response to injury, disease and stress.

Feb. 17: "Harnessing the Power of Stars: Shaping the Future of Energy with Fusion Science"
Modern scientists have long sought to recreate, manipulate and control the atomic forces powering the Sun and other stars by developing nuclear fusion on Earth. At the forefront of that work is the stellarator, a doughnut-shaped device that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel and control the reaction. But, like all machines, the stellarator needs optimization. Lise-Marie Imbert-Gérard, associate professor of mathematics, will discuss mathematical modeling and computational methods for stellarator optimization, highlighting some key challenges, recent progress and future goals in the field.

Feb. 25: "Earth's Story: The Importance of Human Understanding in the Age of AI"
From smart watches to messaging apps, artificial intelligence has found its way into most aspects of daily life. But what place should AI have in the future of research and development? Laura Condon, professor of hydrology and atmospheric sciences, will explain how advancements in data computation could lead to a better understanding of Earth systems – as long as human-based reasoning and critical thinking remain at the forefront of that work.