Microbes may hold the key to brain evolution
January 8, 2026
This week, step out of the cold to try out campus fitness offerings, enjoy a night at the symphony or learn about the future of AI and journalism. Here are a few highlights to put on your calendar. As always, all are welcome!
Winter wellness
Escape the winter grind and refresh your mind, body and spirit at ReTreat Yourself, hosted by the Center for Student Advocacy & Wellness and Student Transition Experiences. Enjoy workshops, crafts, raffles and refreshments, then wrap up with dinner and a dance party.
The event is at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, in Parkes Hall, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Register here.
Studio sampler
Get a taste of something new at the Group Fitness Studio Crawl. Rotate through three classes, each featuring 20 minutes of focused, high-energy movement. Then, cool down with refreshments and raffles, and take home a water bottle you can use on your new fitness adventures.
The event is at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, in studio 2, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, 2311 Campus Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here.
A night at the symphony
Internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean conductor Vimbayi Kaziboni leads the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and Northwestern Concerto Competition winner Angeline Ma in a program featuring works by Giacinto Scelsi, Ludwig van Beethoven, Sergei Prokofiev and Alfred Schnittke.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here.
AI and bylines
AI is dramatically altering not only the way news is reported, but also how audiences encounter and consume information. This event from the Network for Collaborative Intelligence brings together the New York Times’ Emily Withrow, Medill’s Jeremy Gilbert and the School of Communication’s Nick Diakopoulos to discuss how AI is reshaping the future of news in a conversation moderated by McCormick’s Larry Birnbaum.
The event is at noon on Monday, Feb. 2, in Ruan Conference Room, Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St., Evanston. Register here to attend in person or virtually.
Lessons from Brazil
Last fall, a delegation of Northwestern students attended the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties in Brazil, where they conducted original research through a fall-quarter research seminar. At this poster session, learn more about their research projects and takeaways from the convening.
The event is at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Reading Room, 720 University Place, Evanston. Register here.
