Exploring the laws of the Universe

Scientists are hoping that the Large Hadron Collider will be able to make particles that haven't existed since the Big Bang.
Image by Flavio Takemoto.

Scientists are hoping that the Large Hadron Collider will be able to make particles that haven't existed since the Big Bang.
Image by Flavio Takemoto.

Full Image (176.59K)

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Scientists have made great advances in the understanding of physics and how the Universe works. But their next advances could be the greatest yet, according to a leading University of Adelaide physicist.

What is being done to unravel the mysteries of how the Universe was created? What role do Adelaide scientists have to play in that, and how is the much talked about Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland linked with Adelaide-based science?

In this free public lecture for the Australian Institute of Physics (SA branch), the University of Adelaide's Professor Anthony Thomas will discuss the journey so far and explore the most exciting questions now being tackled by his team.

Professor Thomas is an Australian Laureate Fellow at the University of Adelaide. He is Director of the University's Research Centre for Complex Systems and the Structure of Matter (CSSM) and is also Associate Director of the new Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics at the Tera-scale (CoEPP).

"Scientists are hoping that the Large Hadron Collider will create new particles that may completely change our understanding of particle physics and the known laws of the Universe," Professor Thomas says.

"If we are able to make particles that haven't existed since the Big Bang, this could radically alter our understanding of how the Universe works.

"It's a wonderfully challenging and exciting time, not just for scientists but also for humankind. As scientists, we know a lot about the Universe, but we also know enough to realise just how much we still need to learn; there's so much more that we don't know."

The Bronze Bragg medal and merit certificates will be presented at the lecture. The medal is awarded for the best performance in the 2010 Year 12 Physics exam, with the certificates being for students who received a score of 20/20 in Year 12 Physics.

WHAT: Free public lecture presented by the Australian Institute of Physics (SA branch):
Exploring the Fundamental Laws of the Universe by Professor Anthony Thomas, Australian Laureate Fellow and Elder Professor of Physics, University of Adelaide

WHERE: Napier 102, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide

WHEN: 7.30pm Thursday 26 May

For more information, go to: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/aip-sa

 

Contact Details

Professor Anthony Thomas
Email: anthony.thomas@adelaide.edu.au
Website: http://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/anthony.thomas
ARC Australian Laureate Fellow and Elder Professor of Physics
School of Physical Sciences
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 3547
Mobile: 0420 961 148


Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762