Hunting for the dark: the hidden side of galaxy formation

Public events

Title: In Quest of the Cosmic Origins

Speakers: Ken Freeman, Lucio Mayer, Annette Ferguson, Kathryn Johnston, Ben Moore,

Date: Thursday, 22nd October 2009 Time: 19:30

Venue: Room 401 of the Mathematics and Physics Building.

Abstract: Today we understand that the Universe started over 13 billion years ago in a big bang. The early universe

was smooth and uniform. How did gravity lead to the formation of the structures we see? How did the galaxies, stars,

planets come to be? What is the role of dark matter in the formation of galaxies, and how much of it is there? What is

the future of the Universe? Can we find a purpose in its evolution?

A panel of five leading international astrophysicists, Ken Freeman, Lucio Mayer, Annette Ferguson, Kathryn Johnston and

Ben Moore, will debate these questions, and will describe the observations, theories and supercomputer simulations that

go into understanding the Universe we live in. Members of the public will be invited to put questions to the panel.

Title: The beauty of scientific research

Speakers: Rok Roskar (PhD student, University of Washington), Mike Williams (PhD graduate, Oxford

University), Noelia Noel (University of Edinburgh), Justin Read (Lecturer at University Leicester), Anil Seth (CfA

fellow at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics) and Filippo Fraternali (Universita di Bologna)

Date: Friday, 23rd October 2009 Time: 18:00

Venue: Room 401 of the Mathematics and Physics Building.

Abstract: Scientists study the universe because they are curious about its inner workings. An important byproduct of

this process is most of today's technology. Without them, we would not have mobile phones, computers, cars,

televisions and the like. Apart from the joy of discovering the universe, science gives the student a broad and powerful

set of skills that find uses in everything from money markets, finance, engineering, high performance computing,

management, etc. What are the requisites for pursuing a career in science? What are the chances of finding rewarding

employment in science?

During this event, current and recent doctoral students in astronomy from abroad will present their work, discuss their

experience as young research scientists and answer questions from the audience.

Attendance is free of charge and open to the public. Everyone is cordially invited to participate.

Further details and updates you can visit: http://www.phys.um.edu.mt/seminars/upcoming_seminars.html