Updates for Caltech neighbors

March 2026

2026 has already been an inspiring year for science and innovation at Caltech: just in March, we've reported progress on smart masks and medical imaging techniques to help people assess their health, a method of using satellite data and machine learning to better distinguish needy and prosperous municipalities around the world, evidence of how long ago Earth had already developed some of the conditions essential to life, including oxygenation and plate tectonics, and publication of astrophysical data that doubles the number of detections of gravitational waves coming from collisions and explosions in the universe.

Meanwhile, the Ginsburg Center for Quantum Precision Measurement is taking shape on California Boulevard. This spring, the neighboring plaza where people enter campus will be restored and updated as a more beautiful and accessible entrance to campus.

If you see coyotes around campus, please be cautious. They may be defensive, especially if you have a dog with you. You can find more information on our wildlife page; in brief, these steps can help:

• Do not feed squirrels or turtles or leave food outside for pets or wildlife
• Never feed coyotes; it causes them to approach people and be reactive to dogs
• Keep garbage secure and pick up fallen fruit
• Discourage coyotes from getting any closer than four car-lengths away
• Keep dogs on a six-foot or shorter leash and within your control
• Leave cats and small dogs indoors when you aren't with them
• Report any concerning coyote interactions or close approaches to Caltech Security at this online form or by calling 626-395-5000; Ext. 5000. Prompt reporting helps Caltech effectively communicate coyote concerns to city authorities.

The Pasadena Public Health Department also encourages incident reports and asks area residents to watch an educational YouTube video about coyotes and review the City's urban wildlife management plan.

Caltech Facilities staff trim up shrubs, pick up fallen fruit, and remove trash promptly to minimize available habitat and food.

Neighbors, you are welcome at Caltech public events, including talks on the latest science, varsity games, and musical performances and plays. The events on the events page for locals may especially interest you. Registration is recommended when possible.

Watson Lectures

This popular, free, 103-year-old series is briefly paused for necessary equipment repairs in Beckman Auditorium. The auditorium will be closed for the remainder of the academic year and into the fall for maintenance. We are working to reschedule and, where possible, relocate to new venues events that had been planned for the space. Programs like the Watson Lecture Series will resume on campus when the facility reopens. For updates, visit the Beckman Auditorium page. You can find opportunities to hear from Caltech scholars and scientists on the events page for locals.

Science Journeys

These free events designed for middle and high school students will continue as school field trip events in a smaller auditorium during the ongoing equipment repairs in Beckman Auditorium (see above). Caltech graduate students and postdoctoral scholars share their research, inspirations, journeys, and aspirations.

Email [email protected]: ask a question, share a comment.

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Explore the This Is Caltech website for a glimpse of what happens at Caltech.

Get a coffee: The Red Door and Broad Café are popular with campus neighbors and visitors.