A Cosmic Coincidence: Why is the Universe Just Right for Life?

Thursday, January 25th 2007

Host: The Department of Physics

This year the Symposium is being organized by McGill University's Department of Physics. Going back some 115 years, the Department's rich history actually predates those historic experiments conducted by Ernest Rutherford and, to this day, continues to actively pursue its mission of research, teaching, and outreach. One hallmark of the Department is its diversification into many areas of experimental and theoretical physics, with a particular emphasis on astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and subatomic (nuclear and particle) physics. The Faculty of McGill's Department of Physics addresses an impressive realm of physical problems, from those found at infinitesimal length scales, to those associated with the large structure of our universe.

Organizers

Professor Robert Brandenberger
A look behind the scenes reveals that a key reason this auspicious debate will take place comes in the form of one Robert Brandenberger, a Professor of Physics and Tier-1 Canada Research Chair holder. Indeed it is largely thanks to him that we have been able to pull together such a prestigious Panel! Professor Brandenberger's research focus is Theoretical Cosmology.

Professor Victoria M. Kaspi
Our Moderator for the Symposium, Professor Victoria M. Kaspi is a regular name in the news recently, having just received the Steacie Prize and for her appointment as the first Lorne Trottier Chair in Astrophysics and Cosmology. Professor Kaspi is considered one of the leading researchers in the area of Pulsars.

Professor Charles Gale
Chair of the Department, Professor Gale is a James McGill Professor and theoretical physicist. Professor Gale has played a lead role in supporting and developing the Symposium and has spent many hours working with the Symposium Office on a myriad of details, and this on top of running the fastest growing Physics Department in Canada!

Special thanks also go to Professors Andrew Cumming, Gil Holder and Tracy Webb for their assistance.

Support Staff Acknowledgement:

The Coordinator wishes to provide special acknowledgement to the Support Staff of the Department; in particular, to Louise Decelles, Diane Koziol and Elizabeth Shearon from the Chair's Secretariat, all of whom have lent their time and talents to the Symposium over the last few months. A special mention must also go to Juan Gallego, who put together our web page.

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Faculty of Science - Symposium Office
Dawson Hall, Room 409
853 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 2T6 Canada
Telephone: 514-398-2852 email: [email protected]
Series website: http://www.mcgill.ca/science/trottier-symposium/

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