John Mainstone Lecture Tour (Townsville)

The John Mainstone Youth Lecture Tour, presented in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Physics Queensland Branch, is coming to JCU’s Townsville Bebegu Yumba Campus. Hosted by JCU physicists Scott Heron and Greg Boyle, this year’s presentation will explore some of the unexpected discoveries and “glorious accidents” that have shaped physics. Through a combination of live demonstrations, experiments and stories from physics, we will look at how observations that were surprising, accidental or initially unexplained have led to important discoveries - and how those ideas connect with physics research happening today at JCU.

The event is primarily aimed at Year 11 and 12 students studying Physics, although Year 10 students with a strong interest in or aptitude for physics and science are also very welcome. Students will have the opportunity to visit JCU, experience a university lecture theatre, meet practising physicists and see physics brought to life through demonstrations throughout the presentation.

Check-in from 1pm for a 1:30pm start.

Featured Speakers:

Scott Heron

Scott Heron is UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Vulnerability of Natural and Cultural Heritage and Professor of Physics at James Cook University, Australia. His research involves synthesising physical processes with the biological and/or chemical characteristics of the environment in the context of the people who rely upon the environment. Scott's research group focuses on climate vulnerability of heritage (through the Climate Vulnerability Index; https://cvi-heritage.org) and impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems. He was named on Reuters Hot List 2021 of the world’s top climate scientists – and has a keen interest in science communication through creative arts. View Scott's researcher profile.

Greg Boyle

Greg Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in Physics at James Cook University, Australia. His research explores how electrons, positrons (the antimatter counterparts of electrons) and plasmas behave and interact with matter. Greg’s research spans fundamental particle and atomic physics through to applications including plasma-based particle accelerators, neutron imaging of geological materials, and plasma technologies for breaking down persistent environmental contaminants. He has a strong interest in physics education and science communication, and enjoys using experiments and demonstrations to show how fundamental physics connects with both cutting-edge research and the world around us.  View Greg's researcher profile.