Breakthroughs to the Future: The Science Re-Shaping Our World
An exclusive event co-hosted by UC Berkeley and Scientific American Custom Media.
Please join us on February 24th, 2026 for an engaging, dynamic and thought-provoking forum and networking reception showcasing innovation luminaries and their future-defining work. This signature event provides a unique opportunity to convene the research and innovation community, alongside vital partners like funders, entrepreneurs, and foundations. We will share groundbreaking work from the forefront of scientific discovery at UC Berkeley, highlighting world-renowned experts whose research is charting the course for what’s next on the horizon.
The unique program will explore: advances in biotechnology driving the therapies of tomorrow; cutting-edge materials science for sustainable solutions; and the future of practical robotics using next-generation AI.
Speakers will include:
Richard K. Lyons, Chancellor, UC Berkeley
Jennifer A. Doudna, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; Founder, Innovative Genomics Institute; Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Chair in Biomedical and Health Sciences; Professor, Chemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley
Omar M. Yaghi, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry; University Professor; Co-director and Chief Scientist, Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet; James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professor, Chemistry, UC Berkeley
Ken Goldberg, William S. Floyd Jr. Distinguished Chair in Engineering, UC Berkeley; President, Robot Learning Foundation; Chief Scientist, Ambi Robotics
Opening Remarks by: Jeremy Abbate, Publisher, Scientific American Kimberly Lau, President, Scientific American
Agenda:
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Arrival Reception
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Program
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Networking Reception