What to read and watch over winter break 2025

Add these picks from UChicago award winners to your list

Two UChicago undergraduates named 2026 Marshall Scholars

Ushering in a new era for writing education at UChicago

Inside the U.S. fight against the fentanyl crisis

Breakthrough could connect quantum computers at 200 times longer distance

How China and Russia’s economic transitions reshaped generational mobility

AROUND UCHICAGO

Meet A UChicagoan

Trailblazing ‘Halo’ video game producer advises students to ‘make stuff’

Alum Alex Seropian of Bungie, Look North World and more returns to UChicago as keynote for Year of Games

Around UChicago

From Swifties to cultural stewardship, Arts & Humanities Day 2025 sparks citywide conversation
Event brought UChicago scholars together with visiting artists to explore the art and ideas that are central to our lives

With native fish, plants and zooplankton, Botany Pond transforms into sustainable ecosystem
Guided by faculty experts, an innovative restoration makes the beloved UChicago landmark a haven for visitors and wildlife

Research

Fully automated lab system learns to grow materials on its own
UChicago PME researchers built a ‘self-driving’ method to make thin films for electronics

UChicago students investigate language’s deepest puzzles
From baby-talk to finding the words that capture our attention, new research explores how we communicate

UChicago Explainer Series

View All Explainers

Exoplanets, explained

We now know there are thousands of planets out there in our galaxy alone. Learn what we know about them, and what mysteries remain.

RECENT

Dark energy, explained
Coined by University of Chicago astrophysicist Michael Turner in 1998, dark energy—the force causing the universe to expand faster over time—remains one of the great mysteries of physics.

Improv, explained
Modern improv comedy began at the University of Chicago in the 1950s.

MOST VIEWED

The origin of life on Earth, explained

Ecological succession, explained

The Gut Microbiome, explained

Inside the Lab

Explore Labs Across UChicago

Inside the Lab

Sebo Lab: Programming robots to better interact with humans

Go inside the laboratory of Sarah Sebo, whose Human-Robot Interaction lab at the University of Chicago is programming robots with social skills, in order to build trust and rapport with humans. The goal is to develop robots that can improve performance, including better learning outcomes for children.

Sheffield Lab: Understanding the neuroscience of memories
Watch UChicago neurobiologist Mark Sheffield and his team investigate the mechanisms of memory by studying neuron activity and connections. Their research could enhance the treatment of memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and PTSD.

Light Lab: Understanding the gut microbiome to treat disease
Step inside Asst. Prof. Sam Light’s lab to learn how scientists are mapping the incredible network of microbes living inside your gut—and how they can affect health or disease.

Awad Lab: Predicting and preventing strokes and brain bleeds
In the newest episode of Inside the Lab, visit Prof. Issam Awad and learn about his team's mission: to prevent strokes before they happen.

PODCASTS

Big Brains homepage

Episode

What makes music go viral—From AI to Taylor Swift, with Paula Harper
Music scholar examines the forces driving the rise of pop stars and songs in the age of TikTok and Spotify

Episode 170

How wearable tech will heighten our senses and abilities, with Pedro Lopes
Computer scientist explores the potential of human-computer integration and haptics to help us move and learn

Episode 169

How full-body MRIs could predict your long-term health, with Daniel Sodickson
Medical physicist examines how AI-enhanced MRIs could transform health care

Episode 168

Is there such a thing as a psychopath? with Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen
Scholar examines the science and myths around psychopathy tests—and their impact on the criminal justice system

Episode 167

Why we haven’t solved brain disorders—and how to fix it, with Nicole Rust
Neuroscientist discusses a ‘grand plan’ to better treat depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s after decades of struggles

More from the University of Chicago Podcast Network

Capitalisn't

Is capitalism the engine of destruction or the engine of prosperity?

Listen

Not Another Politics Podcast

Understand the political science behind the headlines

Listen

Entitled

Why rights matter—and what’s the matter with rights

Listen

Master's education at UChicago

Programs transforming careers

UChicago master’s programs meet demand in evolving job market

Degree programs help students build skills, become future leaders and make impact

Bridging theoretical and applied: UChicago master’s in financial math, finance and management

Career-focused programs teach cutting-edge skills while supporting students at UChicago and beyond

‘Theoretical rigor with practical application’: UChicago master’s in data science and computer science
Programs provide real-world skills and hands-on experience in a supportive environment

‘Immersive and transformative’: UChicago’s master’s in arts and humanities
Interdisciplinary programs offer students a rigorous and impactful experience

Events

Dec

14

Brass & Pipes for the Season

Brass & Pipes for the Season

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

Dec

14

Mary, A Holiday Dansical!

Mary, A Holiday Dansical!

Logan Center, Performance Hall

Dec

20

Raw Talent Performing Arts presents “A Family Affair Gala”

Raw Talent Performing Arts presents “A Family Affair Gala”

Logan Center, Performance Penthouse

Dec

24

Lessons & Carols for Christmas Eve

Lessons & Carols for Christmas Eve

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

Jan

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Winter 2026 Churros and Chocolate

Winter 2026 Churros and Chocolate

Social Science Research, Tea Room

Jan

10<span

Theater[24] | 2026 Winter Quarter

Theater[24] | 2026 Winter Quarter

Reynolds Club, Francis X. Kinahan Third Floor Theater