Jonathan Luk tackles the mathematics of black holes

The Stanford mathematician’s work opens up new possibilities—and questions—about Einstein’s theory of general relativity and, ultimately, the nature of the universe. 

an illustration of a black hole
Illustration by iStock/ComicSans

Featured News

Paul R. Ehrlich standing in front of trees
March 20, 2026

Biologist and environmentalist Paul Ehrlich has died

The longtime Stanford professor, a giant in his field of evolutionary and population biology, also led the effort to establish Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.

David Abernethy speaks to Faculty Senate
March 18, 2026

Political scientist David Abernethy has died

An expert in African studies, he was also a leader in faculty governance.

closeup of part of the iISM microscope showing a purple laser moving through several lenses
March 2, 2026

High-resolution look inside living cells now possible without fluorescence

A microscope developed at Stanford can reveal the interaction of nanostructures inside living cells at the highest resolution yet, about 120 nanometers, without the use of fluorescent labels. The technology could lead to a host...

Person looking up at the galaxy

Understanding our world through research

Our faculty pursue curiosity-driven research across disciplines. Their foundational scholarship surfaces new understanding in an ever-evolving world and can lead to solutions for pressing problems.

Learn more about H&S foundational research

Recent News

A portrait of Otis Chodosh
April 27, 2026

Stanford mathematician Otis Chodosh wins New Horizons Prize

Aracelis Girmay stands a lectern on a stage
April 23, 2026

Aracelis Girmay wins PEN America poetry prize

Wooden stadium seating leads up to painting covered by a wood-slat ceiling
April 22, 2026

Inside the new home of the Department of African and African American Studies

Portrait of Jorge Ruffinelli
April 20, 2026

Jorge Ruffinelli, leading scholar of Latin American literature and film, dies at 82

April 15, 2026

In this history class, the final project is a pop song

Portrait of Laura Dassama in the Stanford arcade.
April 15, 2026

Laura Dassama honored with Protein Science Young Investigator Award

Adrien Bilal in the Stanford arcade
April 8, 2026

Adrien Bilal receives 2026 Best Young Economist Prize

Sharika Thiranagama with cover of The Monster in Your Path
April 6, 2026

The Monster in Your Path: The Private Life of Caste in India by Sharika Thiranagama, Anthropology

Collage of current SSF cohort
March 27, 2026

Stanford Science Fellows 2026 cohort announced

Matthew Morrison in the Stanford arcade
March 25, 2026

Matthew D. Morrison wins Woody Guthrie, Irving Lowens book awards

Hazel Markus in the Stanford arcade
March 24, 2026

Hazel Rose Markus wins 2026 Sage-CASBS Award

Jessica Riskin in the Stanford arcade
March 23, 2026

Diving into the mind of pioneering French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

March 17, 2026

What does it mean to be reasonable?

Thomas Mullaney
March 13, 2026

Thomas Mullaney named UNESCO chair

March 10, 2026

Centralized support makes more time for faculty research

Table covered with many old letters. Angle view, selective focus. Text is unrecognizable.
March 6, 2026

Historian leads project to design new AI architecture for humanities research

March 5, 2026

Go behind the science with Rodolfo Dirzo

Claude Steele in his office
March 5, 2026

New book explores the tension that can exist between people of different identities—and how to overcome it

Video content available for Initiative aims to help cities address migration
Tomás Jimenéz speaks at the launch of the institute’s Flourishing Cities Initiative.
March 5, 2026

Initiative aims to help cities address migration

The front of the Glades County Detention Center
March 3, 2026

New report examines the failures of a Florida immigrant jail born of a federal–county partnership

Photo of Nina and Jeff Wine
February 27, 2026

A life-changing shift from neuroscience to cystic fibrosis research

Photo of Tony Heinz
February 25, 2026

Tony Heinz wins 2026 Optica award

Portrait of Brian Knutson
February 24, 2026

Brain responses to wildlife images may motivate engagement with conservation efforts

Collage of Michelle Jackson and the cover of her book
February 23, 2026

The Division of Rationalized Labor by Michelle Jackson, Sociology