Teaching the Old Periodic Table New Tricks

The periodic table of elements, which is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, experienced a revolutionary expansion after the emergence of Ernest Lawrence’s atom-smashing cyclotrons in the 1930s. In the following decades, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) were credited in the discovery of 16 new elements – more than any institution in the world.

Find out what’s next in elements research and development at Berkeley Lab in a special evening presentation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, at the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Five Berkeley Lab scientists will give short talks on how their work and the elements they use are driving innovative solutions to some of the nation’s most challenging problems in energy, physics, biology, the environment, and beyond. The event will feature an introduction by Berkeley Lab Director Mike Witherell, a presentation by physicist and neutrino expert Alan Poon, and will be emceed by nanoscientist and quantum materials guru Sinéad Griffin. A Q&A session will follow.

Please note that while event attendance is free, space is limited and registration guarantees entrance to the program. Barcodes will be scanned for admittance – please bring a printed copy of your ticket or have the electronic version on your phone ready to show during check-in.

Also note that parking fees at the Lawrence Hall of Science will be enforced and must be paid at the Hall’s automated kiosks (be sure to note your license plate number when exiting your car).