Lecture Series Highlights Art & Science

La Jolla, CA (January 23, 2025)—In February, the Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series returns to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. For over two decades, the Perspectives Lecture Series has been engaging the public on research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The 2025 series will provide an in-depth look at the art-science collaborations that gave rise to Birch Aquarium’s Embodied Pacific: Oceans Unseen exhibition. 

This three-part speaker series explores Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Indigenous science through the eyes of contemporary artists and scientists. Learn how collaboration-inspired immersive displays engage us and shape our understanding and appreciation of the ocean’s unseen mysteries. The first lecture will feature Superradiance. Embodying Earth. by artists Memo Akten and Katie Peyton Hofstadter.  

Superradiance. Embodying Earth. is a multiscreen video and sound installation that serves as a centerpiece of Birch Aquarium’s Embodied Pacific: Oceans Unseen exhibition. Inspired by conversations between the artists and Scripps researchers, this work explores the complex interactions between land, ocean and atmosphere that shape our living planet by interweaving dance, poetry, music and generative imagery with artificial intelligence. Join us for a conversation with the artists as they describe how they use art to engage us in science, evoking a visceral and intimate connection to our living planet.

Lecture Schedule: 

Monday, February 10, 2025, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Superradiance. Embodying Earth. 
Speakers: Memo Akten and Katie Peyton Hofstader

Monday, March 10, 2025, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Walking the Pier: Women in Scripps plankton research
Speakers: Melissa Carter and Judit Hersko

Monday, April 14, 2025, 7-8 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Kumeyaay Ha Kwaiyo 
Speakers: Stan Rodriguez, Priscilla Ortiz, Andrew Pittman and Nan Renner

Lectures are free for members and $12 for the general public. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Registration is open now for the February lecture and will soon be added for the others.

Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, except for members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information including the Daily Schedule.