EXPLORATORIUM
Pier 15, San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, USA
JUNE 11 2024

What's Left to Discover? Our Unknown Universe

Date: Tuesday 11th June 2024
Time: 19:00 to 21:00 PDT [doors open at 18:30]
Location: Exploratorium, Kanbar Forum

Come join us at the Exploratorium for a mind-blowing event where we delve into the mysteries of our universe! From the Higgs boson to dark matter, we will explore the frontiers of particle physics and how international collaborations tackle these profound questions. As we journey through these discoveries, we will also discuss how advances in particle physics contribute to technological innovations and societal progress.

Get ready to expand your horizons and learn more about the secrets of the cosmos. Don't miss out on this exciting journey of discovery guided by three renowned scientists!

PROGRAMME

What's Left To Discover? Our Unknown Universe

A captivating talk by Daniel Whiteson, a renowned particle physicist and professor of physics at UC Irvine. Whiteson, known for his engaging communication style and deep expertise, will take us on a journey through the fascinating world of particle physics and our efforts to answer some of the open questions about our universe.

Followed by a Moderated Discussion

Fabiola Gianotti, Particle Physicist, Director General, CERN
Hitoshi Murayama, MacAdams Professor of Physics, University of California, Berkeley; Faculty Senior Staff, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Hamamatsu Professor, Kavli Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo

Moderated by Danielle Venton, KQED Science reporter

SPEAKERS

Daniel Whiteson

A renowned particle physicist and Professor of physics at UC Irvine. His groundbreaking research pioneers advanced machine learning and statistical tools to analyze high-energy particle collisions, aiming to unravel the fundamental nature of matter and energy In addition to his academic achievements, Profesor Whiteson hosts a popular podcast about the Universe, bringing complex scientific concepts to a broader audience. He is also the author of two acclaimed popular science books inspiring curiosity and a love for science in young minds and the co-creator of a PBS television series about science for pre-schoolers.

Fabiola Gianotti

A highly acclaimed physicist and the Director-General of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. She has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of particle physics, most notably in her leadership role in the discovery of the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider. Dr. Gianotti's research focuses on understanding the fundamental particles and forces that constitute the Universe. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades and solidified her reputation as a leader in the international scientific community. In 2012, she was named runner-up for Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Gianotti is an advocate for international collaboration and science education. She has been a prominent voice in promoting the importance of scientific research and its impact on society, inspiring countless individuals around the globe.

Hitoshi Murayama

A world-renowned theoretical physicist with an illustrious career in exploring the fundamental forces of the universe. He is currently the MacAdams Professor of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, a Faculty Senior Staff member at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Hamamatsu Professor at the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe at the University of Tokyo. In addition to his remarkable academic contributions, Professor Murayama is a passionate advocate for science education and outreach. He has delivered numerous public lectures worldwide, engaging diverse audiences and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Professor Murayama is chair of the U.S. Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel, which recently defined the strategic plan for the national particle physics program.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Danielle Venton

Danielle Venton is a science and climate reporter at KQED. She focuses on wildfires and forest resilience and hosts the KQED Climate Book Club. She studied science journalism at UC Santa Cruz and biology at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her work has appeared in WIRED, Nature and High Country News. Prior to KQED she worked at KRCB Public Media in Sonoma County and wrote about physics and computing at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.