Updates for Caltech neighbors

Did you know that in 2023, more than 170 Caltech students tutored PUSD students who want to build their math and science skills? And Caltech researchers joined PUSD in its ScienceFest, an expansive annual celebration of science. We are proud to look back at some ways that Caltech students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty connected with and helped fellow residents of Pasadena in 2023. Volunteers set up telescopes for sky viewing on campus and in Old Town, rode trains holding "Ask-an-Astrophysicist" signs, and gave talks in local pubs and libraries. Geology students led school field trips. Volunteers prepared monthly meals at Union Station Homeless Services–Adult Center. Caltech scholars value these opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect.

Neighbors, you are welcome at events on campus that are open to the community, including accessible talks on the latest science, varsity games, and musical performances and plays. The events featured below and on the events page for locals may especially interest you. Admission is free for each of the events below. Registration is recommended. Learn more and register on Caltech's public events page.

Watson Lectures

We are so enjoying meeting neighbors at the 2023-2024 Watson Lecture series. Two more talks will round out the 2023–24 season: On April 24, Professor of Geophysics Zhongwen Zhan will share tales from his month-long research expedition in Antarctica, and on May 22, computing pioneer Carver Mead will discuss Caltech-led innovations that have transformed everyday life.

Watson Lectures and their pre- and post-show activities offer opportunities to hear how Caltech's premier researchers are tackling society's most pressing challenges and inventing the technologies of the future.

Join friends and neighbors outside Beckman Auditorium to enjoy food, drinks, and music together before each lecture. Interactive displays related to the evening's topic will give you additional context and information. The festivities start at 6 p.m. and lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. Neighbors and guests are also encouraged to stay for post-talk coffee and tea as well as the chance to converse with attendees and researchers.

If tickets sell out before you try to register, come enjoy the preshow. Seats often open up on the evening of the event.

If you would like to ask a question, share a comment, and/or be added to our list for occasional emails (a few per year), please email neighbor@caltech.edu. Neighbors are also welcome to subscribe to The Caltech Weekly, an email newsletter that highlights the most relevant research, news, and events at Caltech as well as the individuals who are advancing the boundaries of discovery. You can unsubscribe anytime. If you would like a glimpse of what happens at Caltech, we hope you will explore the This Is Caltech website.