Studying the Origins of Life on Earth (and other worlds)

Name: Studying the Origins of Life on Earth (and other worlds)
Start: 2026-02-11T18:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-02-11T19:00:00-06:00
Location: 8040 S 6th Street, Oak Creek, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53154

Schedule

Wed Feb 11 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

8040 S 6th Street, Oak Creek, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53154 | Oak Creek, WI

The Oak Creek Public Library is excited to host this Badger Talk by David Baum! Can the origin of life on Earth, which occurred some 4 billion years ago, be subjected to scientific inquiry? In this talk, David Baum will describe their personal journey from a biologist studying modern (plant) life to somebody trying to solve what is often seen as science’s greatest remaining mystery: How can chemistry become organized into systems capable of adaptive evolution and (eventually) giving rise to complex cells and organisms? Baum will summarize this science and why they think we are so close to understanding the origins of life. This research not only helps guide the search for life elsewhere in the universe but is also critical for explaining the existence of beings capable of questioning their own existence.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Badger Talks program reflects the tradition of the Wisconsin Idea—to extend the resources of the University to citizens of the state. They connect faculty and staff from hundreds of different disciplines with communities throughout the state to spark conversations on important topics, engage residents on critical issues, and share the latest UW research.
This program will take place in the Multi-purpose Room and is geared toward adults and teens. Registration is not required. Find out more by visiting oakcreeklibrary.org/events or over the phone by calling 414-766-7900.