Event Time:
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Event Location:
China Cloud Studios, Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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2026-04-17T20:30:00
2026-04-17T23:00:00
Quantum Mechanics: The Music of the Universe
Event Information:
EXTRA CREDIT is a new lecture series presented by China Cloud Studios. We have invited prominent academics, from a wide variety of disciplines, to come share their research and knowledge. This is a unique opportunity to come learn and mingle with them in the comfort of the warm China Cloud Studios environment. Hosted and curated by UBC faculty Dr. Azim Shariff and musician Jenn Bojm.
Abstract:
In this talk, I will introduce some of the key ideas of quantum mechanics: the sometimes bizarre set of physics rules that gives our best understanding of how nature works at a fundamental level, for example - quantum superpositions, wavefunctions, and indeterminacy. I will explain how these are related to much more familiar ideas from the science of music and musical instruments.
Bio:
I am a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia, where I have worked since 2002. In my research, I work towards a better theoretical understanding of elementary particle physics, classical and quantum gravity, and cosmology. Most of my research has focused on string theory and quantum field theory.
Learn More:
About Mark: https://phas.ubc.ca/~mav/vanraamsdonk.html
Learn more about the physics of music from Mark's website! https://phas.ubc.ca/~mav/POM.html
About quantum mechanics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics
About science and music: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/connections/connections/science--music/
Event Location:
China Cloud Studios, Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Event Time:
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level)
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2026-04-23T18:00:00
2026-04-23T19:30:00
How the Universe Works! From Quantum Cosmos to Quantum Computers: The Sacred and the Profane
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works! All are welcome!
Abstract:
Most of us hold certain values to be sacred. One of these – which underlies science – is Truth. There are other non-scientific sacred values: beauty, love, Nature, compassion, even comedy. They help to give meaning and value to our lives; we feel instinctively that they are not to be profaned.
In this talk I’ll describe in simple terms, using slides, video, and live demonstrations, two scientific results of extraordinary beauty, viz., (i) New ideas about our entire universe, which indicate it may be oscillating chaotically while also expanding and contracting, rather like a fibrillating heart. Within it, galaxies are born and die, and complex systems like life result from galactic collisions. (ii) quantum networks of “qubits” (exemplified by everything from bird navigation systems to “quantum computers”). Quantum information ripples through these networks, mediated by quantum entanglement and quantum tunneling. Such networks will revolutionize 21st century technology, for good or ill.
To explain such things we need both quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of curved spacetime. These theories describe deep features of Nature that are both magical and real. I will try to give some intuition for this, and how it feels to engage with it.
Bio:
Philip Stamp was mostly raised in New Zealand. He was educated in the UK, beginning his academic career in philosophy and literature, but then switching to theoretical physics. Over the years he has worked as a physicist in France, Spain, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, and the USA, and as a musician in France. In 2002 he returned to Canada to set up the Pacific Institute of Theoretical Physics (PITP), based at UBC. He is presently Prof of Theoretical Physics at UBC, and director of PITP. His research focuses on many different aspects of quantum mechanics, including macroscopic quantum phenomena, and also quantum gravity and quantum cosmology.
His favourite writers are Colette, H.E. Bates, and Jorge Amado; his favourite film is “October Sky”; his favourite art form is flamenco; and his favourite spectator sport is rugby. He’s often seen cycling around Vancouver or kayaking in the Gulf islands – his favourite part of Vancouver is Commercial Drive. His two children, now adults, still call him “NeanderPhil”. But his happiest news all year: his son is getting married!
Learn More:
PBS Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth. Host Matt O'Dowd breaks down both the basic and incredibly complex sides of space and time.
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level)
Event Time:
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Event Location:
Museum of Vancouver - History Room & Garden Patio
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2026-04-23T18:30:00
2026-04-23T22:00:00
Lost and Found - How the human brain knows where you are, and why it sometimes fails
Event Information:
The Society of Italian Researchers & Professionals in Western Canada (ARPICO) and the The Consulate General of Italy present: Italian Research day in the World: an annual lecture on science.
Spatial orientation allows us to move through the world, find our way in new places, and return home without getting lost. But how?
ITALIAN RESEARCH DAY IN THE WORLD
This event is a collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver to celebrate Italian Research Day in the World (normally held on April 15th), established in 2018 to recognize the quality and expertise of Italian researchers abroad. It aims to promote actions and investments that support Italian researchers in pursuing their careers both at home and abroad, while making Italy an attractive destination for international researchers.
In his talk, Dr. Iaria, will explain how spatial orientation allows us to move through the world, find our way in new places, and return home without getting lost. But how does the brain accomplish this remarkable ability? This talk explores the cognitive and neural mechanisms that allow humans to build internal "maps" of their surroundings, and why some people navigate effortlessly while others struggle to find their way. The talk will also introduce Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), a condition in which otherwise healthy individuals get lost in even extremely familiar places.
Dr. Giuseppe Iaria is a Director and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Department of Psychology and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary, as well as the Director and Founder of the of the non-for-profit organization Canadian Space Health Research Network.
Dr. Iaria is internationally renowned for his contributions to the investigation of human spatial cognition. His research aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying spatial cognition across the lifespan, from early development to old age, as well as in the context of clinical conditions that impact the central nervous system.
Among his many contributions is the discovery, in 2008, of a new developmental disorder that he termed Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD). Individuals with DTD are unable to orient themselves in any surroundings from childhood, despite having no brain injuries or cognitive deficits. Dr. Iaria and his team have been investigating the genetic, cognitive, and neurological mechanisms of DTD in thousands of affected individuals and developing training programs for them. Dr. Iaria is also the founder of gettinglost.ca, an online platform that he created in 2009. The platform was conceived to provide opportunities for testing and training of human spatial orientation skills, and quickly became an important online resource for both the general audience and researchers. To date, the platform is visited by millions of people every year and has been adopted by many scientists as a platform to collect data and investigate the mechanisms of human spatial orientation.
Another unique and significant contribution to science is Dr. Iaria’s pioneer research investigating the behavioral and neurological effects of space travel on astronauts. His research, conducted at NASA, has contributed to identifying how the structural and functional properties of the brain of astronauts are altered during a six-month space mission to the International Space Station. In addition to having an impact on the space industry, the findings of this research program are also relevant to the population on Earth affected by clinical conditions that are similar to the ones created on astronauts by exposure to microgravity, radiation, isolation and confinement.
Over the years, Dr. Iaria has received funding from numerous institutions, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Department of National Defence (Canada).
EVENT DETAILS
6:30 PM - Check-in for all guests.
6:50 PM - Welcome remarks by ARPICO President, Valentina Marchetti
7:00 PM - Introduction by Italian Consul General in Vancouver, Paolo Miraglia Del Giudice and Prof. Costanza Conti, Scientific Attaché, Embassy of Italy in Ottawa
7:15 PM - Lost and Found: How the Human Brain Knows Where You Are, and Why It Sometimes Fails by Dr. Giuseppe Iaria
Q&A - Following the lecture.
Socializing - Refreshments will be serverd.
9:45 PM - Clean up and closure. Help is welcome from anyone willing.
Event Location:
Museum of Vancouver - History Room & Garden Patio
Event Time:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level)
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2026-05-21T18:00:00
2026-05-21T19:30:00
How the Universe Works! Interstellar Molecules!
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences to find out fun facts about everything from the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works! All are welcome!
Abstract:
Interstellar space is not empty; it contains a huge variety of molecules, including some that have been found in space and never on Earth! We will explore the different types of molecules that have been found outside of our solar system, including those that smell like raspberries and taste like vinegar. I will discuss how Astrochemists use different kinds of light from our galaxy to hunt for these molecules in space. You will learn about what clues interstellar molecules can give us about other stars and planets, and even our own origins.
Bio:
Ilsa Cooke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Otago, in Dunedin, New Zealand, where she worked on measuring uranium-isotope ratios in meteorites and marine carbonates. Following her graduation, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Trace Elements Analysis, before moving to the University of Virginia as a Fulbright fellow to conduct her PhD in Physical Chemistry with John T. Yates Jr. Her PhD focused on producing and measuring astrochemical ice analogues using space simulation vacuum experiments. From 2016-2018, she worked as a visiting researcher in the group of Karin Oberg at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. In 2018, she moved to the University of Rennes 1 to join the group of Ian Sims and work on developing new methods to measure reactions at low temperatures relevant to astrochemistry. In 2019, she was awarded a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship to study low-temperature reactions involving CN and aromatic molecules. Since moving to UBC, her group has focused on building laboratory experiments to constrain the formation of aromatics and other complex organic molecules in the interstellar medium. She is particularly interested in the formation of heterocycles and the properties of radicals on low-temperature ice surfaces. In addition to her laboratory work, Dr. Cooke is a co-PI of the GOTHAM collaboration and uses radio telescopes to probe aromatic molecules and their precursors in star-forming regions.
Selected Honours and awards or selected publications:
Cottrell Scholar Award, 2026
The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Early Career Award, 2024
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, 2019
Fulbright Science and innovation award, 2013
Learn More:
About astrochemistry: Astrochemistry - Wikipedia
About aromatic molecules: Aromatic Compounds: What Makes Them Special?
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level)