Kimball Smith Series

The Kimball Smith Series tackles issues at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, and global affairs—ranging from nuclear weapons risks to artificial intelligence policy. 

Kimball Smith events promote cross-disciplinary conversations and connections.

Our core events feature:

  • A speaker panel, with experts in scientific and political aspects of the event topic;
  • Multidisciplinary, small-group discussions among attendees.

Beyond these core events, we facilitate policy-focused talks at STEM seminars and events, and vice-versa—in partnership with other Yale programs and departments.

The Series honors Alice Kimball Smith, PhD ‘36, a historian who analyzed scientists’ efforts to shape nuclear politics early in the atomic age.

Events

March 7, 2024
Dr. Ben Zweibelson (Director of U.S. Space Command’s Strategic Innovation Group), and Dr. Matthew Schmidt (Associate Professor of National Security and Political...
February 29, 2024
Register here: Join us for a moderated panel and subsequent small group discussions on the topic of autonomy and artificial intelligence in warfare. The panel will feature ...
February 15, 2024
Speaker: Rachel Carr. Hosts: Yale Physics, Yale Wright Laboratory, Kimball Smith Series. 1-2pm, Feb 15th, 2024 Wright Lab, Room 216 272 Whitney Ave, New Haven This talk is a ...
January 25, 2024
This screening is presented by the Yale Film Archive. Introductory remarks will be provided by Professor Steve Lamoreaux, thanks to the Kimball Smith Series....
September 28, 2023
Speaker: Sébastien Philippe. Hosts: Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, Yale Physics, Yale Wright Laboratory, Kimball Smith Series. 1-2pm, Sept. 28th, 2023...
April 12, 2023
Register here: Join us on April 12th from 7-8:30pm in Room 101, Rosenfeld Hall for a moderated panel followed by small group discussions regarding outer space and global...
A stylized illustration of a globe surrounded by PCB traces
March 30, 2023
Register here: Join us from 5-6pm on March 30th in Henry R. Luce Hall, Room 101 for a panel on law, technology, and policy challenges in outer space. This panel will feature...