Birds are Smarter!

What can birds teach us about intelligence? They may have “bird brains,” but they can solve problems, use tools, and even share culture. In the next Hot Science – Cool Talks, Dr. Carlos Botero explores how intelligence evolves and how bird brain scans are helping scientists understand it better. With surprising examples of clever bird behavior, this talk will change how you see our feathered friends forever.

Arrive early and explore Cool Activities from 5:30 - 6:40! Local organizations will share exciting hands-on activities related to the talk! List of activities coming soon!

Carlos is an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, where he studies how life, from microbes to humans, adapts to unpredictable environments. He holds a PhD from Cornell University and previously taught at Washington University in St. Louis. His research explores topics such as the evolution of intelligence in animals such as birds, human cultural change, and how organisms respond to climate shifts. Through fieldwork, lab experiments, and theoretical modeling, Carlos seeks to uncover the general rules that shape life’s ability to adapt and evolve.

About Hot Science - Cool Talks

provides a front-row seat to world-class research. Presented by the Environmental Science Institute (ESI) this nationally recognized series allows leading researchers from The University of Texas and other prominent universities to share their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math with the general public. Events are held six times a year.

Consider supporting Hot Science - Cool Talks with a gift: !

Info: We ask that everyone is checked in and seated in the auditorium by 6:50 p.m. or you will lose your seat to those on the waitlist. Check-in is available starting at 5:30 p.m. or no later than 6:40 p.m. in the main hallway in Welch where Cool Activities will take place. Look for the ORANGE check-in tables & bring your Eventbrite e-ticket.

Info: Explore the evening’s topic through hands-on activities and information from 5:30 – 6:40 p.m. in the hallways of Welch (2nd floor). Closer to the event date, we will share a list of organizations participating in Cool Activities.

Info: The talk starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Welch Auditorium (WEL 2.224) and will include a Q&A session with the speaker. We expect the talk will end by 8:15 p.m. though ending times may vary depending on the speaker.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Welch Hall (WEL) Auditorium (WEL 2.224) , East 24th Street, Austin, TX, USA, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App