Talks and shows

Battle of the Big Bang

Astrophysicist Niayesh Afshordi explores the latest debates on the origin of our universe.

WikiImages via Pixabay

The Big Bang has long been accepted as the ultimate origin of our universe - but what if it’s just the beginning of the story?

In this talk, astrophysicist Niayesh Afshordi will explore the fierce scientific debates over cosmic origins, revealing how modern cosmologists are rethinking the Big Bang itself. He will discuss the latest theories, including his own leading-edge research, that challenge the traditional narrative: was the Universe born from a black hole? Does time extend before the Big Bang? Could our cosmos be part of a vast multiverse or an eternal cycle of rebirth?

Science is not just about equations - it’s about people, rivalries, and radical ideas. Join Niayesh and colleague Phil Halper for a journey through the evolving frontiers of cosmology and the search for the true origins of our universe.

Copies of Niayesh and Phil's book "Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins" will be available to purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Niayesh Afshordi

Image of Niayesh Afshordi
University of Waterloo

Niayesh Afshordi is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo and the Perimeter Institute in Theoretical Physics. His research challenges our fundamental understanding of the cosmos, from black holes and quantum gravity to the origins of the universe itself. His latest book is titled Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins, co-written with Phil Halper and published by the University of Chicago Press in 2025.

About Phil Halper

Image of Phil Halper
Credit Monica Halper

Phil Halper is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a science populariser. He is the creator of the popular YouTube series Before the Big Bang, which has had several million views, and was previously journalist in residence at the Penn State Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos. His astronomy images have been featured in major media outlets including The Washington Post, the BBC, and The Guardian, and he has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions