Alumni & Giving

Science Talks Webinars

The Science Talks series will resume in fall 2025 with a special hybrid event in celebration of U of A Days. Consider joining us for the live recording hosted by Dean Declan Ali on Friday September 19 in Dinwoodie Lounge from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The webinar will run as always from 12-1 p.m.

Watch for registration details shortly.

Recent Webinars

Science Talks: Urban planning: Building climate-resilient communities through adaptation planning

While climate change is a global issue, impacts are felt locally. Local governments (municipalities) are well situated to lead climate adaptation action, however a variety of challenges slow adaptation implementation in practice. Hear from Jeff Birchall, assistant professor in the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, as he highlights some of the localized impacts associated with climate change, and the way local government decision-makers cope with these impacts, whether through ad-hoc planning, strategic long-term policy, or in some instances, no action at all. Showcasing examples from across Canada, this presentation demonstrates that action isn’t always straightforward, and buy-in for action isn’t always a guarantee, even when extreme events take place on a regular basis, and even when these impacts have a cost on the community.
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Science Talks: Human-Centred Privacy in a Digital Society
Data isn't just a collection of numbers—it's something deeply connected to real people, whose lives can be affected by how companies use their information. Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) are designed to mitigate privacy risks in digital systems. When applied to data analysis, PETs can help strike a balance between protecting individual privacy rights and supporting companies' economic interests. However, for PETs to truly improve the landscape of corporate data-sharing practices, they must also foster trust among those whose data is being shared. Hear from Bailey Kacsmar on the development of privacy enhanced data analysis techniques, the implications on user perspectives of the space, and the ongoing work towards the development of accessible human-centred private data analysis techniques and protocols.

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Science Talks: Environmental Chemistry: Safeguarding our Indoor Air

Breathing is fundamental to life, and most of us spend the vast majority of our time indoors. But have you ever stopped to consider what’s in the air we breathe inside our homes, workplaces, and schools? Maintaining clean indoor air is essential for protecting our health and well-being. However, indoor air quality is influenced by a mix of pollutants from both indoor activities and outdoor sources. Everyday actions, such as cooking or using certain appliances, can release pollutants into our living spaces. Meanwhile, outdoor air pollution—like wildfire smoke—can seep indoors, compounding the problem.

Join award winning chemist and faculty member Ran Zhao as he introduces key indoor air pollutants, with a spotlight on fine particulate matter, which poses significant health risks. He’ll share insights from two recent research projects and highlight the innovative use of low-cost air quality sensors that make these studies possible and show how science can help us breathe easier.

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