There are phenomena in our universe that are almost beyond our realm of understanding – what lies in the dark space between the stars? How can we measure things that are invisible? What prevents the galaxies from expanding into oblivion?

One explanation is the existence of dark matter, otherwise undetectable because it is composed of particles that do not absorb, reflect or emit light. We can only assume that it is there because of its impact on ordinary matter, so the quest to understand it requires innovative approaches.

In the last decade, there has been impressive progress in detecting dark matter interactions. The search continues with crucial experiments deep in the bowels of an old gold mine in rural Australia using a direct detection method.

Leading the way is physicist Elisabetta Barberio, who will explain this underground undertaking and outline the impact the findings can have on our understanding of the universe.

Soon we will have an underground lab which will make Australia the epicentre for dark matter research.

Elisabetta Barberio

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Photo credit: Prudence Upton

This event is presented by the Australian Institute of Physics and the UNSW Centre for Ideas.