Dean’s Scholars 2026 Distinguished Lecture Series: Dr. Martin Chalfie

Dr. Martin Chalfie, co‑recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his introduction of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a biological marker, will join the Dean’s Scholars community for this year’s Distinguished Lecture Series. As a renowned neurobiologist and an influential advocate for curiosity‑driven research, Dr. Chalfie brings a unique perspective on how foundational science shapes the future.

In his talk, “The Continuing Need for Useless Knowledge,” Dr. Chalfie will explore how research that appears tangential, often labeled “useless knowledge,” remains essential for advancing human well‑being and scientific progress.