Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series

Collection

Identifier: 10287-MS

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is arranged by chronological order. This series started in 1922, but the first recording dates back to 1971 and since it is still ongoing, the collection continues to grow, with about 9 new lectures per academic year.

These lectures feature speakers from Caltech and JPL, spotlighting a small selection of the pioneering research conducted in the fields of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Engineering and Applied Science, Geological and Planetary Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.

The list of speakers includes also several Nobel Prize winners, such as David Baltimore (1978 Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine), Hans Bethe (1967 Nobel Prize winner in Physics), William Fowler (1983 Nobel Prize winner in Physics) Murray Gell-Mann (1969 Nobel Prize winner in Physics), David Politzer (2004 Nobel Prize winner in Physics) and Ahmed Zewail (1999 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry).

Most of the recordings are analog but thanks to the California Audiovisual Preservation Project about 60 among the legacy audiovisuals were digitized and can be accessed now online. The newest lectures from the last decade are online as well.

Dates

1971

Creator

California Institute of Technology (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. Researchers must apply in writing for access.

Biographical / Historical

The lectures started by Earnest C.Watson in 1922, as a series of Friday night demonstration lectures on campus that became one of the most popular events in Pasadena. In 1972 the series was renamed the Earnest C. Watson Lectures Series, in his honor, and continues to take place with nine public lectures per academic year. E. C. Watson (1892-1970), professor of Physics at Caltech from 1919 to 1959, played an important role in the development of innovative programs in science education on campus as well as serving in a number of important administrative posts. He was chairman of the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, and Dean of Faculty.

Extent

ca. 90 audiocassettes (Compact Cassette)

ca. 180 videocassettes

ca. 100 computer files

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series brings to the public the most innovative scientific research taking place at Caltech. Spotlighting a small selection of the pioneering research the Caltech faculty is conducting, these lectures are geared toward a general audience, part of the Institute's commitment to benefiting the local community through education and outreach. The lectures are given by world renowned Caltech Faculty and in the past have featured also several Nobel Prize winners, such as David Baltimore (1978 Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine), Hans Bethe (1967 Nobel Prize winner in Physics), William Fowler (1983 Nobel Prize winner in Physics) Murray Gell-Mann (1969 Nobel Prize winner in Physics), David Politzer (2004 Nobel Prize winner in Physics) and Ahmed Zewail (1999 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry). The collection continues to grow.