Public Lecture Livestream | Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins

Video Description

Embark on a journey through the greatest cosmic mysteries—from the explosive birth of the universe to the very nature of time and space. Learn more: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/news/perimeter-researcher-tells-real-history-big-bang About the Public Lecture: 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. 📅 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our newsletter: https://landing.perimeterinstitute.ca/newsletter-signup 🔬 Support science: Donate to Perimeter: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/info/donors Follow Perimeter Institute: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pioutreach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perimeterinstitute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perimeter-institute Perimeter Institute (charitable registration number 88981 4323 RR0001) is the world’s largest independent research hub devoted to theoretical physics, created to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. 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.