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Engineering for Humanity Lecture Series: Dr. Gerald Chan
by
Wed, Nov 18, 2026
10:30 AM – 12 PM EST (GMT-5)
Private Location (sign in to display)
Registration
Note: There is a limit at 1 ticket per person for this event.
Details
Schedule:
- 10:30-11:00am Check-in
- 11:00-12:00pm Lecture
About the Lecture:
Science, Engineering and Innovation: Why are You Studying Engineering?
This talk focuses students on the question of why they are studying engineering. How does an education in engineering differ from an education in science? What is the place of innovation in an engineering education? For faculty, the flip side of the same question is how engineering education is changing. What are the qualities and skills that we want to develop in engineering students? How are developments in AI and in world geopolitics changing the practice of engineering? Dr. Chan, a venture capitalist, will use cases in the companies he has started and built to address these questions.
About the Speaker:
Gerald Chan is a scientist who has made extraordinary contributions in biotechnology and health. He astutely selected scientific discoveries that are transformative to medicine and population health and took them from bench to bedside. He started two dozen biotech companies covering a wide range of disease areas. The novel therapeutics he developed opened new fields of medicine in innate immunity and mitochondrial function. In the field of digital health, his work pioneered the use of AI in the early diagnosis of dementia and autism, in transforming care delivery for chronic diseases and in pharmacy benefit management.
About the Engineering for Humanity Distinguished Lecture Series:
The Engineering for Humanity Lecture Series features some of the world’s most prominent voices on how science and technology can improve society. Engineering for Humanity is our vision, representing our commitment to research and innovation that translates into positive outcomes. This vision is brought to life by people–faculty, researchers, students, alumni, and the partners who share our values and our desire to change the world for the better.
In this new series, we bring to campus leaders who are making a difference across diverse sectors, turning ideas into impact, and sharing their journey as they take on some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Campus Access:
In accordance with the University's current visitor guidelines, all non-Columbia guests will receive a QR code within a few hours of the event date. The code will be sent to you via email from CU Guest Access and must be presented for campus entry, along with a government-issued ID.
Accessibility:
Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend an event at Columbia University, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 212.854.2388 or access@columbia.edu.
Photography/Videography:
Columbia Engineering reserves the right to capture and use images (including video, photo, audio) of participants at this event in its current or future marketing materials. These materials include but are not limited to: social media, digital and/or print posters, email and web-based materials. By attending and participating in this event, you are consenting to having your image captured for these purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness being used, please reach out to engineeringcommunications@columbia.edu and we will accommodate your request.