Institute on the Formation of Knowledge

Meet our spotlight: Professor Rama Ranganathan!✨ With a focus on bioengineering and protein folding, Prof. Ranganathan’s research delves into the fundamental principles of biological systems, from atomic to cellular scales. Recently quoted in (“Dozens of Top Scientists Sign Effort to Prevent A.I. Bioweapon”), Rama emphasizes the importance of scientific community access to emerging technologies.

To follow his journey at Ranganathan Lab, visit https://loom.ly/IXOUmuM

Are you intrigued by the future of biomedical research?

Join us on Friday 3/29 at noon as Melanie Jeske explores the fascinating world of organ chips, bypassing traditional animal testing to unlock deeper insights into human pathophysiology!

📍John Hope Franklin Room (SSRB 224)

Register here by tomorrow 3/27 at 2:00pm for lunch: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQVV5KS

Ever wondered about Realism's intriguing comeback in today's artistic, cultural, and political settings?

Join us on Friday, March 22 for 'REALISMS: A Workshop' to hear the perspectives of a diverse group of scholars of literature, film, philosophy, and art on Realism and its continuing urgency! (Lunch is provided)

📍 IFK Seminar Room 5737 S. University Ave

This quarter, we had guest faculty appearance in our "Ways of Knowing" course... It was none other than Simeon Chavel! In the past several weeks, this course explored the intricate layers of knowledge formation across disciplines, cultures, and history.

There's still time to add a KNOW course to your Spring '24 schedule❗

Meet our feature: Erin Adams!! As a Joseph Regenstein Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Erin's lab dives deep into the intricate molecular signals that drive our immune system's surveillance. 🧬

Want to learn more about her lab? Visit https://ejadamslab.bsd.uchicago.edu/

For today's spotlight, we have Prof. Eugene Raikhel, a cultural and medical anthropologist exploring the intersections of science, psychiatry, and post-socialist transformations in Eurasia.

Curious about Russia's evolving approach to alcoholism? Check out his recently published book, Governing Habits: Treating Alcoholism in the Post-Soviet Clinic!

Last Monday, our Cultures and Knowledge workshop delved into the collapse and reconstruction of Anglo-Indigenous relations in the 1670s across the British empire.

Want to learn more? Join us every Monday from 12 to 1:20 PM in IFK Room 104 for presentations spanning historical and disciplinary boundaries, shaping knowledge from antiquity to the present day!

Stay tuned for exciting workshops every Monday! Open to the entire campus community, these events promise a diverse exploration of ideas💭

Curious about the unraveling of Anglo-Indigenous relations in the 1670s and the emergence of new sovereign bonds?

Join us today from 12 to 1:20 PM for a workshop led by Matthew Kruer, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Chicago.

Pre-registration ends tomorrow!

Check out the KNOW courses for Spring 2024 over here: https://ifk.uchicago.edu/courses/

There's still time to register for the KNOW courses for Spring 2024!

https://ifk.uchicago.edu/courses/

Check out the KNOW courses offered next Spring!

- Knowledge of Man, Society, and Culture in Europe, 1700-1914
- The Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence
- Counterhistories of Mathematics and Astronomy
- Cultural Heritage Management in Conflict Areas
- Normal People: History of the Human Sciences
And so many more!!

https://ifk.uchicago.edu/courses/

Pre-registration starts today! Don't miss your chance to enroll in the exciting KNOW classes offered at IFK. Explore interdisciplinary seminars and unique undergraduate courses taught by our esteemed faculty and Postdoctoral Scholars

Register now!

Join us tomorrow for the Cultures and Knowledge Workshop hosted by Matthew Kruer, Assistant Professor of History at UChicago! Explore diverse realms of knowledge every Monday as IFK scholars present research-in-progress, fostering dynamic discussions and real-time feedback.

📍IFK room 104

See you there!

Check out the Spring KNOW courses!

https://ifk.uchicago.edu/courses/

Check out New York Time's recent article on new online safety laws on children! Professor Genevieve Lakier from the University of Chicago Law School and an IFK faculty member shares her thoughts on the ongoing legal battle between states and tech industry giants, emphasizing the delicate balance between protecting children online and upholding the First Amendment rights.

For today's , we're spotlighting Pedro Lopes, Associate Prof. in Computer Science! Pioneering muscle-integrated devices with electrical muscle stimulation, he redefines human-computer interaction. With 40+ papers in top HCI venues, 6 Best Paper Awards, and global media recognition, Pedro's work reshapes interfaces.

To check out his work, visit https://plopes.org/

🚨 New Episode Alert!

Dive into the fascinating world of American politics with none other than Eric Oliver, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and a core IFK faculty member! From unraveling the mysteries of conspiracy theories to exploring the psychology behind political beliefs, Eric's insights are a must-listen.

Today's Spotlight is on Prof. Rochona Majumdar! Historian of modern India with a keen focus on Bengal, Rochona explores the intricate tapestry of Indian history, cinema, and intellectual thought. From challenging assumptions about arranged marriages in colonial Bengal to unraveling the impact of postcolonial theory in historiography, her work is a journey through the rich complexities of South Asian culture. Be sure to check out some of her award-winning books!

Calling all 2023-24 grads! Got a BA thesis exploring social and historical influences on knowledge formation? Don't miss out on applying for the Annual Undergraduate Thesis Award! Scan the QR code for more details.

Deadline: May 1, 5:00 PM CST❗️

There’s still time to enrol in our KNOW courses at IFK!! From understanding multicultural challenges to delving into Latin American law and citizenship, there's a diverse array of courses waiting for you✨

https://ifk.uchicago.edu/courses/

Read more on how human actions shaped our climate, as leaders gear up for UN climate talks. Elizabeth Chatterjee, Asst. Prof. of Environmental History at UChicago and a 2023-2024 IFK Seed Grant Awardee, shares insights regarding the historical roots of our climate challenges. Let's forge a sustainable future together!

https://loom.ly/TgHVKBQ

Spotlight: Meet Tom Ginsburg, esteemed law professor at UChicago! Join President Paul Alivisatos and Prof. Ginsburg as they navigate the intricate terrain of campus free speech.

Should professors have unrestricted speech? What about invited speakers? Who decides what's acceptable? 🤔 Tune in to the podcast for insightful answers to these questions!

https://big-brains.simplecast.com/episodes/defending-campus-free-speech-in-a-polarized-age-with-paul-alivisatos-and-tom-ginsburg-gPb4cRp3

Spotlight✨ Excited to feature Will Howell, Sydney Stein Professor in American Politics at the Harris School of Public Policy, UChicago! Tune into Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons as Professor Howell dives into the different ways of improving civic engagement in Chicago!

“It feels like the new McCarthyism,” said Genevieve Lakier.

In the age of social media, do employers have the right to fire employees for their political views? Genevieve Lakier, a distinguished member of the IFK faculty and a prof. of law at UChicago, sheds light on the challenges we face. Check out the full article to dive into the discussion!

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/11/04/israel-hamas-cease-fire-free-speech-00125333

Explore the tension between the notion of economic science and that of economics as ideologically charged in the Novel Knowledge course "The Economy without Economics" this winter at University of Chicago Graham School https://loom.ly/pt8QAxs

Another Friday, another highlight! Today, we are featuring Prof. Rebecca Willett, the faculty director of AI at the University of Chicago Data Science Institute. She is at the forefront of thinking through how AI will change science, and in her recent podcast, she examines the opportunities—and the dangers—of this rapidly emerging technology. Tune in now!

https://news.uchicago.edu/how-ai-transforming-scientific-research

Happy World Philosophy Day! 💭 Explore the realms of thought with Assistant Professor Thomas Pashby, IFK core faculty member, in PHIL 22000/32000: Introduction to Philosophy of Science this winter. It is an amazing opportunity to dive into the rational foundations of science, from inductivism to Kuhn's paradigm shifts!

Explore more of Prof. Pashby's recent publications here: https://philosophy.uchicago.edu/faculty/pashby

How were mathematical and astronomical knowledge conjoined? Take Novel Knowledge course "Pulling the Heavens Down to Earth: Histories of Astronomy and Mathematics" this winter https://loom.ly/ETTtWSk
University of Chicago Graham School

Save the date! Join us on Friday, November 17th, at 12:00 pm for a talk by Tal Arbel. Uncover the fascinating history behind large-scale public opinion research post-World War II and its global impact. See you at the John Hope Franklin Room (SSRB 224). Register by November 15th, lunch is included!

Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TK563SB