Earth's Story: The Importance of Human Understanding in the Age of AI
When
February 25, 2026 | Dr. Laura Condon
Earth's Story: The Importance of Human Understanding in the Age of AI
Human curiosity, for millennia, has driven us to explore the mysteries of our blue planet and its place in the cosmos. The story of the Earth, as we tell it, is really a synthesis of Earth science. Today, we have access to more data and computation than at any other point in human history. Artificial intelligence shows great promise for simulating Earth systems and uncovering new patterns. Will this render human investigation obsolete?
In this talk, Dr. Laura Condon will explain how these advances are transforming our ability to study the planet, while also highlighting why human insight remains essential. Now, more than ever, we need human reason and ingenuity to ask the right questions and build new understanding that can drive us forward. Get your free tickets here.
Today's Science, Tomorrow's World | 2026 Lecture Series
This year’s series, Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s World: Building a Better Future, showcases the groundbreaking research at the University of Arizona that is driving innovation and shaping the future we aspire to create.
From pioneering efforts to slow the biological roots of aging, to the surprising ways tiny insects reveal big insights into brain health, to the quest for clean and limitless fusion energy, and the essential role of human understanding in an age of artificial intelligence — each lecture explores how today’s scientific discoveries are laying the foundation for a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable future.
All lectures are free and open to the public.
Tickets are required for entrance at Centennial Hall. Click here to reserve your spot now for free via Ticketmaster. Tickets for each lecture will be emailed to you to scan at Centennial Hall.
Lecture Dates:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026*
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
*Please note: due to an on-campus event, this lecture will be hosted Tuesday evening.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall (1020 E. University Blvd)
Livestream: Watch the livestreams and recordings on YouTube.
Scroll down to learn more about our four featured speakers and their lectures. We look forward to seeing you at Centennial Hall in February!