Hot topics about the universe explored in new debating series at Imperial College London

Astrophysics group launch first debate on the origins of our universe - News

Wednesday 17 June 2009
By Naomi Weston

Burning questions about the universe and our place in it are explored in a new debating series which begins at Imperial College London this week.

The first in the ‘Big Questions’ series looks at the origins of the universe, bringing together physicists and theologians to discuss the Big Bang.

Professor Michael Rowan-Robinson, a world-leading figure in the development of observational astronomy and cosmology from Imperial’s Department of Physics, will describe what we know about the universe, its origin and evolution, while Rev. Dr John Polkinghorne, a former particle physicist and now an ordained minister of the Church of England, will look at the debate from a theological viewpoint.

Future debates in the series will cover topical subjects in the field of astrophysics and cosmology, such as black holes and the possible existence of other universes.

The debates are an initiative of the astrophysics group, part of Imperial’s Department of Physics, and aim to spark conversations about big issues in astronomy and cosmology. Dr Roberto Trotta, a Lecturer in the Department of Physics and one of the organisers of the new series, says:

New debating series explores the universe around us

“Physics is a discipline exploring questions that have exercised the human mind for millennia – how did the cosmos begin, what is it made of and how do our answers shape our understanding of our place in the universe? We hope to get a lively debate going about these questions and explore a range of different ideas. It’s an event that should interest anyone with an opinion on these topics, and everyone of any background or viewpoint is invited to join us.”

The first debate takes place on Thursday 18 June 2009 at 6pm in room LT308, Huxley Building, Imperial College London, on the South Kensington Campus.

Attendance is free but registration is essential. To sign up for one of the debates please email: BigQuestions@imperial.ac.uk

For more information about this event, upcoming debates and research being conducted in the astrophysics group, please visit: www.imperial.ac.uk/astrophysics/