Events

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an urgent need, especially for Victoria to reach its legislated emissions target of net zero by 2050. While she usually looks up at the stars in her astrophysics research, two decades ago Professor Rachel Webster started asking: what if the answer is beneath our feet? Just 150km from Melbourne, in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, the layers of brown coal create the perfect environment to heat up the aquifer and provide one of the world’s best sources of emission-free sustainable geothermal power. In this talk Professor Webster will explore the science of geothermal energy which could be harnessed as an alternative to natural gas, giving an insiders tour of the current project to create the ‘Smart Geothermal Industrial Loop’ (SGIL).

Presented by Professor Rachel Webster.

This lecture forms part of the 2024 JULY LECTURES IN PHYSICS

A series of free public lectures exploring physics: from the most fundamental questions to its influence in society.

Physics and Sustainable Development

Scientists, politicians, and communities alike recognise the imperative to bridge scientific disciplines and forms of knowledge to address the complex challenges of our time. In this years lecture series, we ask what role physics has in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development goals. Coinciding with the first year of the UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, these lectures will explore the intersection between physics and sustainable development: from climate action to affordable and clean energy, education to gender equality and beyond.

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health invites you to an online public webinar on patient-centred care for osteoarthritis, gout and other musculoskeletal diseases featuring Professor Flavia Cicuttini AM, Head of Rheumatology at The Alfred Hospital at 5:30 – 6:30pm on Tuesday 16th July.

Flavia is Professor and Head of Rheumatology at the Alfred Hospital and the Musculoskeletal Unit at Monash University and a National Health and Medical Research Council (NRMRC) Leadership Fellow.

Flavia’s research interests are the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. Her work using novel methods for assessing join health have resulted in new understanding of the pathogenesis of common musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, which improves approaches to prevention and treatment, including challenging current approaches. Her clinical trial has identified innovative treatments including repositioning old drugs for the management of osteoarthritis and low back pain.

There is the opportunity to ask questions when registering and on the night, registration is essential and we hope you can join us online.