TECHer Live Explores Einstein: Beyond the Myth in Virtual Caltech Event

Caltech's Einstein Papers Project director Diana Kormos-Buchwald joins journalist Patt Morrison to delve into Albert Einstein's Pasadena years and enduring legacy
Published on Apr 13, 2026

[photo credit: CALTECH]

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) invites the public to a compelling virtual lecture, “TECHer Live – Einstein: Beyond the Myth,” featuring renowned Einstein scholar Diana Kormos-Buchwald. In conversation with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Patt Morrison, Kormos-Buchwald will offer fresh insights into Albert Einstein’s pivotal visits to Pasadena between 1931 and 1933, drawing from the extensive archives of the Einstein Papers Project.

Kormos-Buchwald, who has directed the Einstein Papers Project for 25 years and is considered the world’s foremost authority on Einstein’s writings and thoughts, will illuminate a lesser-known period of the physicist’s life. The discussion will explore his scientific collaborations with Caltech scientists, his active engagement with local communities, and his preparations for emigration as Europe descended into political turmoil. This event promises to reveal what the archives uncover about these formative years and the profound relevance of Einstein’s example in today’s world.

The virtual lecture will touch upon key themes such as Einstein’s civic engagement, including his pacifist stance and efforts toward international cooperation, as well as his interactions with Pasadena’s Black and Jewish communities. The program will also address his status as a refugee and the critical intersection of science and politics during a darkening era in European history. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how Einstein’s legacy continues to resonate, offering lessons for contemporary challenges.

This free virtual webinar, hosted by Caltech, includes a live Q&A session, providing an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the speakers. While registration for this event has now closed, the discussion remains a significant exploration of one of history’s most iconic figures and his connection to Pasadena.

Need to Know: “TECHer Live – Einstein: Beyond the Myth (Virtual)” was held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. PT. This free event was hosted online by the California Institute of Technology. For more information about Caltech alumni events, visit https://www.alumni.caltech.edu/.