Talks and shows

Dark Energy: Einstein’s biggest “Blunder”?

Ofer Lahav unravels the Dark Energy Survey's narrative, showcasing the global scientific collaboration shaping our cosmic understanding.

Pixabay via Pexels

Join world-leading scientist Ofer Lahav as he revels the extraordinary narrative of the Dark Energy Survey (DES), an ambitious experiment designed to unravel the mysteries of the force shaping our universe. Discover what the 3D map spanning 300 million galaxies and extensive supernovae has so far revealed, including its confirmation of the prevailing model of cold dark matter and a remarkably accurate cosmological constant.  

But this remarkable survey doesn’t just advance our scientific understanding – Ofer will shed light on the human dimension of this project, sharing anecdotes of the long-term commitment and collaboration of the hundreds of scientists involved and the resilience they’ve shown in overcoming challenges along the way.

Join Ofer to explore the global nature of scientific progress, where teamwork and perseverance shape groundbreaking discoveries. The DES not only helps to reveal the mysteries of dark energy but also highlights the collective dedication and collaborative spirit that fuels scientific exploration.  

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 Ofer Lahav

Ofer Lahav
Via Wikipedia

Ofer Lahav holds the Perren Chair of Astronomy at University College London (UCL) and is Vice-Dean (International) of the UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MAPS). Additionally, he co-directs the STFC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science. Specialising in Observational Cosmology, Lahav focuses on probing Dark Matter and Dark Energy, utilising Machine Learning for Big Data applications. Having served as the Head of Astrophysics at UCL from 2004 to 2011 and as Vice-Dean (Research) of UCL's Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences from 2011 to 2015, Oher has played key roles in academic leadership. He served as Vice-President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 2010 to 2012 and played a pivotal role in founding the Dark Energy Survey (DES). His multi-faceted roles and groundbreaking research highlight his commitment to advancing the field of observational cosmology and understanding the fundamental properties of the universe.

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. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions