185: The Politics of the Dark Universe - Tamara Davis

The Politics of Everything

Professor Tamara Davis AM is an astrophysicist at the University of Queensland with over two decades experience studying the dark side of the Universe -- black holes, dark matter, and dark energy. While leading major international surveys she also tries to figure out deep questions such as whether dark energy can be used to make hoverboards, and if time travel is possible. She is an avid communicator of science and occasional host of ABC TV’s Catalyst, including the American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award-winning “Black Hole Hunters”.

Amongst her accolades are the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Ellery Lectureship for career contributions to astronomy, the Australian Academy of Science’s Nancy Millis Medal for outstanding female leadership in science, and an Order of Australia (AM). She loves sport and in her spare time she has captained Australia at World Championships for Ultimate frisbee.

She is currently leading the Australian arm of the international Dark Energy Survey and will soon be taking on a new role as Deputy Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery.

Hear from Tamara on:

1. What is the dark universe for us non-science folks?
2. What role does the dark universe play for us on Earth and how do you study it in a practical way? 1

3. Has your research changed over time and what is the biggest factor that can impact it – is it enough funding or something else?

4. Is time travel really a thing and what does that mean in essence? Explain your view and why?

5. Where would you like to see your next career phase go and why?

6. Takeaway: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of the Dark Universe?

CONTACT INFO:

twitter @tamarastro

facebook https://www.facebook.com/tamarastro

UQ http://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1796

Latest episode of Catalyst: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/dark-side-of-the-universe

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