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Upcoming Events

Browse upcoming lectures, panels, and discussions hosted by the Forum.

Zell Speaker and Event Series

With the generous support of the Zell family, the Zell Series hosts speakers, panels, and events throughout the year that demonstrate and directly address challenges related to academic freedom and free expression in a variety of contexts, providing a space to scholars and to the general public to practice the University's culture of open inquiry and robust contestation of ideas. 

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026
Book cover
Academic Freedom in the Era of Trump
Legal Scholars and University Leaders on Free Inquiry and Higher Education
For General Public
Hosted by The Chicago Forum
Food provided
Thursday, Nov 5, 2026
a fountain pen whose ink line crosses a broken border and becomes a flowing ribbon
Beyond Belarusian Borders
Art, Expression, and Exile
For UChicago Students
Hosted by The Student Board
Food provided
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026
Black line drawings of two people using laptops, framed by blue and turquoise circuit patterns on a light beige background.
Finding Meaning in Work in the Age of AI
For UChicago Students
Hosted by The Student Board
Food provided
Thursday, Nov 12, 2026
Event Graphic
Setting Fire to Reason
A Framework for Free Speech and Its Limits
For General Public
Hosted by The Chicago Forum
Food provided
Thursday, Nov 12, 2026
illustration of an AI microchip connected by circuit-like lines to an electricity transmission tower, a wind turbine, and solar panels, in charcoal and muted green on an off-white background
Powering AI
Can the Grid Grow and Go Green?
For UChicago Students
Hosted by The Student Board
Food provided
Thursday, Nov 19, 2026
UN General Assembly Hall
Article 19: The Global Right to Free Expression
Opinion, Information, and the International Human Rights Order
For General Public
Hosted by Chicago Forum
Food provided