The AI Roadshow brings exciting AI-powered research happening at Argonne to unexpected community spaces. This series features live conversations and panels with Argonne researchers at libraries, museums, university campuses and even comic conventions. Join us to celebrate all things AI for science and 80 years of Argonne!
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory will take to the stage at this year’s Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo! With three exciting panels hosting Argonne speakers, attendees can hear all about AI, digital twins, and using science as a catalyst for creativity.
Panels:
Project Hail Mary and the Science Behind Blockbuster Sci-Fi
Friday, March 27, 2026
2:45-3:30 p.m.
The recent slate of sci-fi blockbusters like Project Hail Mary, Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Predator: Badlands are pushing the limits of imagination and fueling the inspiration of real scientists. In Project Hail Mary, a lone astronaut has to science his way out of the biggest threat the solar system has ever seen. In real life, scientists are exploring the cosmos, understanding the fundamental physics that control our universe, using AI to speed the rate of scientific progress, and uncovering new and weird information about the extremophile microbes that share our space. Meet ground-breaking researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago to explore the science behind Project Hail Mary and other sci-fi films that have captivated moviegoers recently, and ask questions about making sci-fi a reality.
Thrill of the Chill: Turning Fear Into a Catalyst for Creativity
Friday, March 27, 2026
3:15-4:00 p.m.
Fear is no mind-killer. In fact, it may be the very thing that can drive you to the next level - at work, creatively, or in personal relationships. Join our panel of educators, librarians, and scientists as they discuss the way they actively master and weaponize fear in their creative and professional lives. This panel will talk about the nature of both harnessing and conquering fear as it is considered in writing, scientific research, and education and recommend titles for all ages.
The Learning Dead: What Zombie Stories Teach Us About Education
Friday, March 27, 2026
4:15-5:00 p.m.
Zombies don’t just eat brains; they also challenge us to use our brains. From using Night of the Living Dead to inspire social activism to mapping a fictional zombie outbreak to understand the spread of real diseases, teachers, writers, and scientists are drawing inspiration from horror to spur creativity and innovation. Get ideas for using stories of the undead to bring your learners back to life and discover why the zombie genre is so resilient.
Separate ticket purchase is required.