Media releases

Evolution of the universe, planets, life and thought symposium
8 May 2009

The Australian Academy of Science will be holding a wide ranging symposium on Friday 8 May titled Evolution of the Universe, planets, life and thought as part of the Academy’s peak annual event Science at the Shine Dome.

The symposium is a tribute to the inspiration provided by the work of two giants of science, Galileo and Darwin. This year is the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth; the 150th anniversary of the publication of his landmark book, The origin of species; 400 years since Galileo founded modern astronomy by turning a telescope to the sky; and is also the International Year of Astronomy.

International guest speakers include Dr Olivia Judson, creator and star of the book and TV series Dr Tatiana’s sex advice to all creation speaking about what evolution really means, Professor Mike Turner from the University of Chicago discussing the creation and evolution of the Universe, and Professor Euan Nisbet from the University of London discussing Darwin’s relevance to 21st century Earth science.

Speakers will be available for interview during the day.

A full program of the symposium including speakers and their topics is below. Summaries of talks and biographies of speakers are available at: www.science.org.au/sats2009/symposium

What:             Evolution of the Universe, planets, life and thought symposium
When:            8:45 – 4:20 Friday 8 May
Where:          The Shine Dome, Gordon St, Acton, Canberra
Contact:        Mona Akbari, (02) 6201 9452 or 0447 679 612