First-year students explore extraterrestrial life

First-year students from UQ’s Advanced Study Program in Science have organised a national symposium to explore ideas such as the origins of the Universe and the possible nature of life on other planets.

Held at St Lucia on Wednesday, October 22, the event will include eminent speakers such as Dr Charles Lineweaver, Dr Brendan Burns, Dr Ragbir Bhathal and UQ’s Dr Kevin Pimbblet.

Participating student Alexander Metcalf said the symposium provided a unique opportunity to organise and experience a scientific conference.

“Not only are we given access to national and international field leaders, but we have also received first-hand insight into the running of such an event,” Mr Metcalf said.

Dr Charles Lineweaver, a specialist in astrobiology, cosmology and planetology, will travel from the Australian National University in Canberra to discuss topics such as the origin of the Universe and how widespread life is likely to be.

Fellow astrobiology expert Dr Brendan Burns from the University of New South Wales will focus on the methods by which extraterrestrial life might be found, while Dr Ragbir Bhathal from the University of Western Sydney and Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) will impart his views on the probability of communicating with alien life.

The symposium has been fully organised by the advanced science cohort, and is the first venture of its kind within the program.

The flagship Advanced Study Program is an initiative of UQ Science offering enhanced learning opportunities to high-achieving students throughout the term of their university degree.

Program features include interaction with leading scientists, early incorporation into research labs, and specialised field trips to encourage the pursuit of a career in scientific research.

Media: Delphia Manietta (s4178438@student.uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)