December 23, 2025
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI)
On February 1, we invite you to take part in the 11th Public Lecture series "A Question of Origins", jointly hosted by the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), Science Tokyo's Earth-Life Science Institute (WPI-ELSI), and co-hosted by The University of Tokyo's International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN). This event will be in Japanese.
The Universe, Earth, Human Intelligence. How did it all begin? Throughout history, humans have always asked this question. In this event, researchers will talk about how far science has come to uncover the origin of the Universe, of Earth, and Human Intelligence. They will also discuss what it means to study the origin of something, moderated by a researcher who has crossed roads with mathematics, information sciences, physics and philosophy to discuss and think about what it means to look for an origin.
Program
1:10PM - 1:45PM
Lecture 1
The Beginning of Artificial Intelligence - From Brain To Artificial Intelligence
Speaker: Kenichi Ohki (WPI-IRCN Deputy Director and Professor)
TBA
1:45PM - 2:20PM
Lecture 2
The Birth of Electrically Powered Life — From the Deep Sea to Space
Speaker: Ryuhei Nakamura (WPI-ELSI Professor)
Life consists of tiny batteries within cells, generating energy to create molecules and sustain vital activities. This intricate mechanism operates at the nanoscale, and its efficiency surpasses modern electronic devices. Did electricity power the first life on Earth around 4 billion years ago, potentially catalyzing the birth of life? Recent research suggests that electricity flowing through microscopic spaces at deep-sea hydrothermal vents may have gathered molecules, created order, and helped the origin of life. This lecture will introduce this mechanism and its connection to the search for extraterrestrial life.
2:30PM - 3:05
Lecture 3
The Beginning of a Material World ― Questioning the Difference with Antimatter
Speaker: Takeo Higuchi (Kavli IPMU, WPI Professor)
When the Big Bang occurred at the earliest moment of the universe, it created matter particles and an equal amount of antimatter particles. However, the universe is made of matter particles as far as we can see, and no one has discovered a world made of antimatter particles. It is believed that an unknown difference in properties between matter particles and antimatter particles caused antimatter to be wiped out from the universe. To uncover this unknown difference, experiments are underway in Japan to artificially create matter particles and antimatter particles and precisely measure their differences. This lecture will introduce experiments that are closing in on the unknown difference between matter and antimatter.
3:15PM - 4:10PM
Roundtable Discussion
Moderater: Takahiro Nakajima (Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia Director and Professor)
This discussion will quiz the three speakers about their approach to origins, moderated by a medieval philosopher whose discipline was not yet as differentiated as it is today.
4:10PM - 4:40PM
Teatime (no live streaming)
Enjoy our after event teatime and meet and talk with the speakers.
Summary
11th Kavli IPMU/ELSI/IRCN Joint Public Lecture: "A Question of Origins"
Uncover the origin of the Universe, of Earth, and Human Intelligence
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Ito Hall, Ito International Research Center, The University of Tokyo |
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Onsite: 300 (first come first serve) |
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About the Kavli IPMU x (Kakeru) Collection
series of events where Kavli IPMU researchers have exchanged discussions with experts from different disciplines. Click here for a full list of past events.
