Presidential Lectures 2026

A weekly series of free colloquia spotlighting groundbreaking research.

Presidential Lectures span four themes: neuroscience and autism science, physics, biology, and mathematics and computer science. These curated, high-level scientific talks feature leading scientists and mathematicians and are designed to foster discussion and drive discovery within the New York City research community.

Physics

Black Holes

Speaker

Shep Doeleman

A man in a checked shirt and dark blazer faces the camera, wearing a pin on his jacket and a pen in his pocket, against a plain background.

Past Events

September 9, 2026

6–7 p.m. ET

Speaker

K.E. Saavik Ford

A woman with glasses and curly hair in a bun smiles at the camera. She wears a pearl necklace, blue and red jacket, and dangly earrings. The background is blurred.

April 22, 2026

6–7 p.m. ET

Speaker

Netta Engelhardt, Ph.D.

Confident person in a yellow blazer stands with arms crossed in front of an escalator, smiling and looking slightly upward. Bright lighting and blurred background suggest a modern indoor setting.

Speaker

Alex Lupsasca

A man in a blue blazer and light blue shirt smiles with arms crossed, standing against a plain gray background.

Speaker

Vicky Kalogera

A person with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black blazer and purple turtleneck, smiles while standing indoors near a light-colored wall.

January 21, 2026

6–7 p.m. ET

Speaker

Chiara Mingarelli

Woman with long curly brown hair, wearing a black shirt and blue earrings, poses in front of a plain gray background, smiling softly at the camera.