As is usual for the Perimeter Institute (PI) for Theoretical Physics, the “Battle of the Big Bang …” event itself won’t take place until sometime in June 2025 but, if you can attend in person, here are the details for getting a ticket or two this coming Monday, from a May 23, 2025 PI announcement (received via email),
Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins
Niayesh Afshordi
Wednesday, June 4 [2025] at 7:00 pm ET
Join us for a lecture with Niayesh Afshordi, a theoretical astrophysicist and professor at the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
The story of the universe’s origins is one of the greatest mysteries in science. From the explosive birth of the cosmos to the enigmatic nature of time and space, we are continually challenged by paradoxes that defy current understanding. In this public talk, we shall explore the triumphs and debates that shape modern cosmology, and the novel quests to uncover our cosmic origins. I will also highlight the pioneering contributions of my friend and colleague, Lee Smolin. His groundbreaking ideas on quantum gravity, the nature of time, and cosmological evolution have sparked new directions in the search for a deeper theory of the universe. Together, we will journey through the frontiers of physics, exploring how new theories and astronomical observations might offer clues to the next great paradigm shift. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, join us for a conversation on the past, present, and future of our understanding of the universe.
Don’t miss out! Free tickets to attend this event in person will become available on Monday, May 26 [2025], at 9 am ET.
If you didn’t get tickets for the lecture, not to worry – you can always catch the livestream on our website or watch it on YouTube after the fact.
I have more information from the event registration page,
Location
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics 31 Caroline Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5
Agenda
6:00 p.m.
Doors Open
Perimeter’s main floor Atrium will be open for ticket holders, with researchers available to answer science questions until the talk begins.
6:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Doors Close
Theater doors close to ensure all guests have enough time to enter and be seated by our ushers.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Public Talk
The talk will begin at 7:00 PM, offering a live stream for virtual attendees. This will include a full presentation in the Theatre as well as a Q&A session.
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Atrium (Optional)
After the talk, head to the Atrium to mingle with other attendees and meet the speaker.
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About the Speaker
Niayesh Afshordi is a theoretical astrophysicist and professor at the University of Waterloo and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His research explores the frontiers of cosmology, gravity, and quantum physics, with a focus on black holes and the origins of the universe. He is the co-author of the forthcoming popular science book Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins (University of Chicago Press, 2025), which reexamines the history and future of the cosmos through the lens of cutting-edge theory and observation.
Enjoy! For those who cannot attend in person, “… you can always catch the livestream on our website or watch it on YouTube after the fact. [https://www.youtube.com/@PIOutreach]” One last note , Afshordi’s (co-authored with Phil Halper) new book “Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins” is being released on May 29, 2025.