Events

DARK MATTERS is an exhibition in collaboration with Arts at CERN and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics. The exhibition aims to explore the fundamental essence of life and the universe, and how so much of it remains a mystery to us. 

Deep dive into the unseen, the unknown and the unspoken – will we ever fully understand the forces at play in our own lives, both on an individual level and on a planetary and universal scale? Dark matter consists of a mysterious substance that does not present an interaction with electromagnetic forces, which means it does not absorb, reflect it, or emit light. In an era defined by the power of modelling data, technology and simulations, the search for dark matter can be seen as a symbol of the limits of our cognitive experience – how might it help us imagine new possibilities for life, and our relationships with non-human entities or systems?

Through local and international experimental projects – some developed in conversation with scientists and researchers – explore life and all the dark matter that flows through it, under it and collides with it.

DARK MATTERS is co-curated by Mónica Bello, Head of Arts at CERN and Tilly Boleyn, Head of Curatorial at Science Gallery Melbourne in collaboration with a curatorial panel of young people.

Please join the Indigenous Knowledge Institute to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9 and 10.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

To recognise this day, the Indigenous Knowledge Institute is hosting a two-day symposium to showcase and celebrate a variety of Indigenous knowledges from across the University of Melbourne and the community. We will discuss ways to draw Indigenous knowledges into different areas including policy, health, justice, and education.

The event will be delivered both in-person and livestreamed and will be Auslan interpreted.

Schedule

Information about the schedule and speakers will be added as it is confirmed. All times below are in Australian Eastern Standard Time.

DAY ONE: Wednesday 9 August – convert to your timezone 

• 10:30 AM – 3.00PM
• Introduction & Welcome to Country 
• Keynote address: Hannah Robertson (UoM) and Olkola partners, Uncle Mike Ross (Olkola elder and Chairman of the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation) and Deb Symonds (Olkola woman and CEO) sharing their perspectives of our Indigenous led collaborations in partnership with the University of Melbourne 
• Additional speakers on topics including Indigenous languages, PhD projects, rock art, and agriculture and farming practices

DAY TWO: Thursday 10 August – convert to your timezone 

• 10:30 AM – 3.00PM
• Introduction
• Keynote address: Presentation by Noelani Puniwai (University of Hawaii) sharing her research interests and experiences in culture, coastal ecosystems, science and youth action  
• Additional speakers on topics including: climate and language, curriculum, health, medicine, fire and environment  

Covid-19: Please do not attend this event if you are unwell, even with very mild symptoms. Let the organiser know immediately if you become unwell during the event.