Events

School of Physics UoM and Royal Society of Victoria Presents - Validation of Einstein’s General Relativity: the centennial of an Australian scientific achievement

In 1922, the path of a total solar eclipse crossed the central part of Australia, presenting the first opportunity to validate Eddington’s claims that Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity was a ‘representation of nature’. Expeditions were sent from different states in Australia to observe the eclipse, involving both Australian and international scientists. The scientific results were a resounding confirmation of Einstein’s theory.

A distinguished panel will present details of the events surrounding the eclipse in 1922: the expeditions, the scientific data and the implications. Some of the most recent scientific results that directly reflect this new understanding of the nature of gravity will also be presented.

The panel will include Professors David Jamieson, Rachel Webster, Andrew Melatos and Emeritus Professor Brian Finlayson.

Note: 5.30PM refreshments at foyer outside B117 Glyn Davis Building (133 - Melbourne School of Design),  followed by a panel presentation and discussion at 6PM 

In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the world has woken up to the importance of biosecurity and the need to manage international borders. Yet strong sectorial identities exist within biosecurity that are associated with specific international standards, individual economic interests, specific research communities, and unique stakeholder involvement. Despite considerable research addressing human, animal, plant, and environmental health, the science connections between these sectors remain quite limited.

In an exclusive event hosted by the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) Distinguished Professor Philip Hulme will discuss the One Biosecurity led initiatives that will drive a new science and policy agenda to deliver evidence-based governance of global biosecurity in his only public event in Australia as a Miegunyah Visiting Fellow to the University of Melbourne.

One Biosecurity aims to address these limitations at global, national, and local scales. It is an interdisciplinary approach to biosecurity policy and research that builds on the interconnections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health to effectively prevent and mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species. It provides an integrated perspective to address the many biosecurity risks that transcend the traditional boundaries of health, agriculture, and the environment. Individual invasive alien plant and animal species often have multiple impacts across sectors: as hosts of zoonotic parasites, vectors of pathogens, pests of agriculture or forestry, as well as threats to biodiversity and ecosystem function. It is time these risks were addressed in a systematic way.

Guests are invited to join the team from CEBRA for Professor Hulmes lecture followed by a social reception.

• Public Lecture: 6.00pm to 7.15pm, Agar Theatre, BioSciences 4 Building
• Reception: 7.15pm to 9.00pm University House