The Thursday evening event is split into 25 minutes of learning and 25 minutes of tasting. Learning comes first at A Taste of UCSD: five top faculty members will give five-minute talks about their research. The food that follows comes with a twist: All of it is provided by former UCSD students who have found success in the food industry.

The topics of the talks range from heart disease to foreign trade to nanomaterials and even classical singing. There are no powerpoints, and nobody will be taking notes.

The food is no less enticing. San Diego Sushi Ninjas will provide a main course. The Secret Cookie Service guy will have a selection of his offerings for dessert. And Chuao Chocolate — founded by UCSD Alumni Michael and Richard Antonorsi in 2002 — will put on a chocolate tasting to finish the meal.

The event is a part of Alumni Weekend 2012, but current UCSD students are allowed to attend. Tickets are $10, but include the price of food. Click here to register.