Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series

The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series was founded at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1981 to provide a forum and formal vehicle for interdisciplinary academic exchange in the basic sciences, clinical sciences, and humanities. The lectures are designed to emphasize the cross-collaborative nature of scientific inquiry and enrich the traditional scholarly exchange between the health sciences faculty, the other branches of Columbia University, and the metropolitan New York medical community—all while honoring the school’s fundamental responsibility to maintain the highest standards of humanistic education.

Over the past 36 years, we have been fortunate to have as speakers some of the world's leading basic scientists, clinicians, and humanistic scholars, all of whom have made significant and outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Yet as expert as all of these speakers are in their areas of specialization, they have been able to bring their thoughts and experiences to life for those outside their traditional academic disciplines—some of whom ultimately have found new ways to advance this knowledge at the intersection of the arts and sciences.

Through the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, we look forward to continuing our tradition of bringing together students, professors, researchers, and clinicians in the spirit of true intellectual curiosity and academic cooperation—sowing the seeds, perhaps, for the next great breakthrough discovery or cure in the process.