The Final Frontier: Black Holes in the Infant Universe

Tue 9 September

Ray Dolby Auditorium

Black holes are among the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring phenomena in the Universe, lying at the intersection of mathematics, physics and astronomy. Since their theoretical prediction, understanding their existence, origin and nature has been one of the deepest conundrums scientists have faced in unravelling the mysteries of the Universe. These are regions where space and time are bent most drastically, challenging human intuition and pushing the limits of mathematical and physical theories.

Today, we stand at the forefront of a golden era of black hole discoveries, from the spectacular mergers of stellar-mass black holes that defy current theories to the first-ever detections of black holes in the infant Universe. In this public talk, world-renowned scientists—trailblazers in black hole research—will take you on a journey through the cutting edge of discovery. They will address some of the most pressing questions we face: How did black holes emerge at the dawn of time? Can black holes reshape the entire galaxies they inhabit? What role do they play in the grand story of the Universe? And could they hold the key to unlocking the path beyond Einstein’s theory of gravity?