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From global climate debates to microscopic solutions, this evening explores how we make sense of a complex world. Why do we struggle to agree on climate policies? How does the brain simplify reality through categories? And what can tiny molecules—like antimicrobial peptides and polymer brushes—teach us about tackling big challenges in health and materials science? We’ll also dive into the surprising role of design and structure in shaping interactions, from colorful questions to seating plans. A night where big questions meet tiny solutions, and science connects ideas across every scale.
Antimicrobial peptides: the alternative to antibiotics is closer than expected
Eva Balan Gutiérrez
(IRTA)
Sergi Travé Asensio
(IRTA)
Bacteria might be tiny, but they are far from harmless. They can cause infections in humans, animals, and even plants. Since the discovery of penicilin in 1928, we have had antibiotics to help us keep them under control. But bacteria are not easy opponents: they evolve, develop resistance, and can even share these “defense tricks” with each other, almost like swapping game cards. Meanwhile, discovering new antibiotics is becoming slower and more difficult.
Colorful questions and seating plans
Tássio Naia dos Santos
(CRM)
Whether we are searching for a pizza place in our neighborhood or are testing circuit connections of an electronic product, we want to follow an efficient strategy.
We shall see how the study of networks (also called graphs) can help designing good strategies (algorithms) for solving search problems. In so doing we will touch on surprisingly difficult problems about seating arrangements and patterns in sudoku-like puzzles.
We shall see how the study of networks (also called graphs) can help designing good strategies (algorithms) for solving search problems. In so doing we will touch on surprisingly difficult problems about seating arrangements and patterns in sudoku-like puzzles.
Why the Brain Loves Categories
Jens-Bastian Eppler
(CRM)
The brain is constantly organizing the world around us. It groups sounds, colors, and objects into categories. This helps us understand speech, recognize things, and make quick decisions. Categories are very useful, but they can also be limiting. Sometimes they make us simplify too much or think in rigid ways. By understanding how the brain uses categories, we can see both their benefits and their limits.
Can we ever agree on climate policies?
Charlotte Liotta
(ICTA)
What do people really think about climate policies? Drawing on surveys from across countries, regions, and cities, this talk shows that support for climate action is often much higher than we think. So why do some policies spark strong opposition? The answer lies in how costs and benefits are distributed, how policies affect our daily lives, and how fair they are perceived to be. The good news: there are ways to design climate policies that people can actually support. This talk explores how we can move from conflict to consensus, and make climate action work in practice.
The Power of Polymer brushes
Marco Zechner
(ICMAB)
Polymer brushes sound useful, but don’t try to clean your teeth or your kitchen floor with them. These “brushes” are made of polymer chains thousands of times thinner than a hair, packed so tightly they stand upright. In this talk we will also explore their unexpected connection to the culinary world and how these invisible brushes control friction, repel dirt, and make materials smarter.
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