Caltech Welcomes Community Back for Annual Watson Lecture Series
The Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series, which has shone a spotlight on the groundbreaking research and innovation of Caltech faculty for more than 100 years, returns in October for the 2025–26 season. Aimed at engaging the public in the wonder of discovery, the Watsons highlight the impact of curiosity-driven science and engineering in a casual and convivial setting.
"I have been attending Watson Lectures for 25-plus years," says Jade Kuan Hoffman, a Pasadena-area community member. "It is like traversing the multiverse … the mind-blowing scientific discoveries and engineering achievements from bountiful fields; the genuine genius of the speakers; and lately, the pre-lecture outdoor informative and interactive presentations, live music, and, most importantly, food truck! Watson Lectures literally enriched my life, my intellect, my soul, and definitely the circumference of my belly."
Free and open to all, the Watson Lectures offer opportunities to hear directly from Caltech scholars working on cutting-edge science that has the potential to solve some of today's most pressing challenges. Before each lecture, preshow activities on the Beckman Auditorium lawn offer food, drinks, interactive displays related to the evening's topic, and the opportunity to connect with science enthusiasts.
Hosted by Crystal Dilworth (PhD '14), a neuroscientist and science communicator, the lectures close with an opportunity for audience members to ask their own questions. Guests are then encouraged to stay for post-talk concessions to mingle with fellow science lovers. Last season brought an average of 615 people to campus for each lecture.
The series will open on October 22, 2025, with a lecture by Nick Hutzler, assistant professor of physics, who will discuss how molecules can sense fundamental particles and forces. Later in the season, talks will feature explorations of how Caltech researchers have addressed environmental lead pollution following the 2025 Los Angeles fires, how physics and AI work together to illuminate the hidden universe, how the gut microbiome–brain connection impacts neurodegenerative diseases, and much more.
"The Watson Lectures hold a special place in Caltech's history by connecting the public with world-leading faculty excited to discuss their latest discoveries," says Matt Thomson, professor of computational biology, Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator, and chair of the Institute Programs Committee, which oversees the Watson Lectures. "The 2025–26 season will transport audiences to the center of molecules and the terrain of Mars. It will highlight breakthrough technology and offer insights into solving some of the most significant challenges facing society."
Originally known as the "Friday Evening Demonstration Lectures," the series was started by Earnest C. Watson, a professor of physics at Caltech from 1919 to 1959, to help foster a greater appreciation among the public for the impact of fundamental research.
The Watson Lectures offer new opportunities each month to hear how Caltech researchers are tackling society's most pressing challenges and inventing the technologies of the future. Join a community of curiosity outside Beckman Auditorium to enjoy food, drinks, and music together before each lecture. Interactive displays related to the evening's topic will give audience members additional context and information. The festivities start at 6 p.m. Guests are also encouraged to stay for post-talk coffee and tea as well as the chance to chat with attendees and researchers.
Eventually renamed in his honor, the Watson Lectures continue to spotlight pathbreaking Caltech research. Read more about the legacy of Earnest C. Watson in Caltech Magazine.
A full listing of this season's events is available on the series webpage.
