We are what we do — our identities are the sum of our knowledge, experiences and actions. In a world rapidly filled with AI generators, what does it take to protect our identity, and those of the generations to come?
Physicist David Awschalom takes us on a fast-paced journey from Star Trek to quantum teleportation, showing how what once seemed like science fiction is quickly becoming reality.
Most people think great and long lasting relationships are built on chemistry — but the real magic lies in communication.
In this emotional and forward-thinking talk, Dr. Hossein Zargartalebi shares his deeply personal journey from a hospital room to a scientific breakthrough.
Can finding humor in our darkest moments actually help us heal? Comedian and entrepreneur Natasha Pearl Hansen believes the answer is yes—and she has the stories to prove it.
What happens when a doctor trades his stethoscope for a camera? Photodocumentarian Tony Menias reveals how slowing down transforms the way we see ourselves and each other.
Nisaini Rexach reveals why sending 150 resumes gets you nowhere—and what actually works.
In this powerful talk, Meg Whitty shares lessons from childhood campaign trails in rural Iowa that shaped her career building coalitions for sustainable aviation fuel.
From questioning the universe's edge as a child in Athens to leading America's premier particle physics laboratory, Dr. Lia Merminga shares her remarkable journey through the world of scientific discovery.
Mark Hersam is a nanotechnologist who believes that understanding materials at the shortest of length scales can provide solutions to the world’s largest problems.
When architect Abbie Clary experienced the heartbreaking loss of her father within a fragmented healthcare system, it forever transformed her approach to healthcare design.
Alessandro F. Rotta Loria studies the world beneath our feet––the underground.
Renowned architect Carol Ross Barney reveals how cities, while being humanity's greatest achievement, are also one of the biggest contributors to climate change.
Environmental artist and urban agriculture pioneer Erika Allen reveals how "environmental alchemy" can transform cities through sustainable food systems.
What would the world be like if the disability community designed it?" With this provocative question, Vanessa Harris opens a groundbreaking exploration of universal access.
What if the key to solving humanity’s greatest challenges—from curing diseases to understanding the universe—was a machine capable of a quintillion calculations per second? Meet Aurora, the supercomputer changing the game for science.
How do we heal? Through an intimate exploration of trauma and healing, photographer Scheherazade Tillet shares how documenting her sister's recovery from sexual assault transformed both their lives while also inspiring her to work with similarly Black girls and young women.
Chicago's DJ Lady D, JB Elite, and the 40+ Double Dutch Club perform a never-before-seen collaboration to celebrate the vibrant culture of Chicago and to open up the TEDxChicago 2024 show.
J. Ivy performs pieces from his award-winning albums at TEDxChicago 2024
Ayelet Fishbach uses humor and personal stories to illustrate how you could apply the lessons of motivation science to your own life.
James Evans asks a critical question as we ponder our AI-driven future: "What AI do we deserve?"
Dr. Shana Kelley leads a team of human cell hunters, and they developed a unique and highly sensitive cell processor that can pull incredibly rare, disease-fighting cells out of blood.
At a time when we’re at our most divided, maybe the surprising answer to bringing us all together can be found through sports.
Aziz Huq looks around the world to understand how democracy can corrode from within.
Three minutes can change your life.
Dr. Shirley Meng makes the case for hope by demonstrating some of the exciting technologies and new batteries her lab is developing that could close the energy storage gap.