"I believe that the woman's commitment in science and technology is natural, healthy and promising. It is good for the qualified individuals and it is essential for the future of the country"
The Annual C.S. Wu Colloquium honors the remarkable scientific legacy and advocacy of Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu by bringing leading women physicists to Columbia University to share groundbreaking research and engage with the broader scientific community. Supported in part through the generosity of the Wu family, the colloquium celebrates excellence in physics while advancing opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and inspiration.
Celebrating the Legacy of Chien-Shiung Wu
Known as one of the most influential experimental physicists of the twentieth century, Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu served on the Columbia Physics faculty from 1944 to 1980. Her pioneering work transformed our understanding of weak interactions and played a critical role in demonstrating the non-conservation of parity, a discovery that reshaped modern physics. Beyond her scientific achievements, Wu was a passionate advocate for equity and opportunity in science, encouraging generations of women to pursue careers in research and innovation.
The Annual C.S. Wu Colloquium reflects both dimensions of her legacy: scientific excellence and a commitment to expanding participation in the physical sciences.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Physicists
Each year, Columbia welcomes a distinguished woman physicist whose work is advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Through public lectures and interactions with students, faculty, and researchers, the colloquium provides a forum for exploring emerging discoveries while highlighting the diverse voices shaping the future of physics.
The event offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with leaders in the field and to see firsthand the impact that innovative research can have on science and society.
2025-2026 Academic Year
The 2025 Annual C.S. Wu Colloquium will be presented by Dr. Nathalie de Leon (Princeton University) on "New platforms for quantum sensing and quantum computing." The lecture will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:15pm EST in Davis Auditorium, 412 Schapiro Center for Engineering and Physical Science Research (CEPSR).
Previous C.S. Wu Colloquium Lecturers
- Elena Aprile, "The Quest for Dark Matter" (2022-2023)
- Nadya Mason, "No Strain, No Gain: Modifying Transport in 2D Materials by Engineering Strain" (2023-2024)
- Angela Olinto, "Flying High: A High-Altitude Perspective of the Most Extreme Phenomena in the Universe" (2024-2025)