Wednesday, 29 September 2004, 8:00 P.M.
Physics Lecture Theatre 1
University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay
ABSTRACT:
There is more and more strong scientific evidence that many phenomena in the universe are invisible to us because they are not, or only to a small extent, accompanied by the emission of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. At the same time physicists have developed new techniques for astronomical observation using entirely different cosmic messengers, such as neutrinos and gravitational waves. In this lecture some new windows on the universe will be presented, whilst addressing the physics and astrophysics that we hope to learn from them.
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Jan-Willem van Holten studied physics and mathematics at the University of Leiden from 1971-80. After receiving his Ph.D. in physics for a thesis on the construction of supergravity theories he become a Fellow of the CERN Theory Division in Geneva. In 1982-85 he held a post-doctoral position at the Bergische Universitaet in Wuppertal (Germany).
Since 1985 Professor Jan-Willem van Holten has been a staff member of the National Institute for Subatomic Physics (NIKHEF) in Amsterdam, where he chairs the theoretical physics group. He also holds the position of visiting professor in theoretical physics at the Free University in Amsterdam.
He has published more than 100 scientific papers. His research interests include gravity, supersymmetry and quantum field theory.
Currently Professor Jan-Willem van Holten is also involved in a project to develop a network of cosmic-ray detectors based at high schools in the Netherlands. This project was recently awarded the 2004 European Altran Prize for Innovation valued 1 million Euros.
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Further information is available from
Prof. Bob Delbourgo, ph. (03) 6226 2403, e-mail: Bob.Delbourgo@utas.edu.au or
Dr Elizabeth Chelkowska, ph. (03) 6226 2725, e-mail: Elizabeth.Chelkowska@utas.edu.au