Humanity 2050: The Future of Our World, Our Universe, and Ourselves
What if someone could predict the future? With advancements in science, it looks like more people might be able to. As we are a quarter of the way through the 21st century, Charles Liu, Ph.D., is looking to the halfway point, 2050. We already have limited space tourism, artificial intelligence, and self-driving cars, but what more about the universe might change?
Liu draws on his scientific background to talk about the feasibility of conversations emerging over the future. He has been known to express optimism but temper expectations about the space industry, medicine, and AI. He predicted to Neil deGrasse Tyson that in 25 years there will be a professional sport played in outer space. He'll discuss those ideas and how humans will evolve, too. Liu is a Taiwanese-born American astronomer, educator, author, and science communicator. He serves as professor and chairman of physics and astronomy at the College of Staten Island and the CUNY Graduate Center and is an associate at the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on galaxy evolution, including collisions, starburst systems, and active galactic nuclei, and he has contributed to major surveys such as COSMOS and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey's MaNGA project.
Dr. Liu has written accessible books on astronomy and physics and frequently appears in media and podcasts. He continues to engage in national science initiatives, including work with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and is focused on mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Location: Gannon University, Yehl Ballroom, Waldron Campus Center, 628 Peach St, Erie, PA 16501
Admission:
- General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $50 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: TBD
Charles Tsun-chu Liu, Ph.D., is a distinguished Taiwanese-born American astronomer, educator, author, and science communicator. He serves as professor and chair of physics and astronomy at the College of Staten Island and the CUNY Graduate Center, and is an associate at the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on galaxy evolution, including collisions, starburst systems, and active galactic nuclei, and he has contributed to major surveys such as COSMOS and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey’s MaNGA project. Dr. Liu is widely recognized for his dedication to both formal education and public science communication, authoring accessible books on astronomy and physics, and frequently appearing in media and podcasts. Looking ahead, he continues to engage in national science initiatives, including work with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and is focused on mentoring the next generation of scientists. He resides in New Jersey with his wife, Dr. Amy Rabb-Liu, and their three children, and remains deeply committed to advancing both scientific discovery and public understanding of the universe.
