Karachi: Habib University has announced that Dr. Nergis Mavalvala, a prominent physicist and the Dean of the School of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be the tenth speaker in its Yohsin Lecture Series. Known for her pioneering work in gravitational wave detection, Dr. Mavalvala will deliver her lecture, titled "The Joy of Discovery: Curiosity, Science, and the Pivotal Role of Universities," on September 25, 2026.

According to Habib University, Dr. Mavalvala is a long-standing member of the LIGO collaboration, which achieved the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, an event recognized with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. Her lecture will explore the intrinsic human pursuit of knowledge and the significant role universities play in fostering intellectual exploration. Dr. Mavalvala will reflect on her journey from Karachi to contributing to one of the century's defining scientific discoveries, emphasizing that universities must nurture creativity and intellectual freedom.

The Yohsin Lecture Series is a central component of Habib University's public intellectual offerings, aligning with its philosophy of self-cultivation. Previous speakers in the series include notable figures such as Noam Chomsky and Reza Aslan, highlighting the university's commitment to engaging with global thought leaders.