What is happening today at CERN could be thought of as a science fiction film a few decades ago. Several scientists working at the Geneva Nuclear Research Center are truly leading a project rich in innovative science and fictional imagination. However, the experiments of this project and their possible outcomes are absolutely realistic and promise to change our view about the universe.

James Beacham is working at CERN’s ATLAS, one of the largest experiments ever considered, aiming to explore and reveal the secrets of the universe. Those who attend Beacham’s talk at the Athens Science Festival 2018 will have the opportunity to join him in his quest for these secrets. The postdoctoral researcher from the Ohio State University will discuss in a simple and easy way how the Large Hadron Collider in CERN (LHC) might give us insights for some of the most important mysteries of the universe: What is Dark Matter? Why gravity is so weak compared to the other forces of nature? Are there any hidden, dark forces out there?

Beacham believes that scientific knowledge should not be kept exclusively within laboratories and university halls but instead disseminate to the general public. His speeches are popular with millions of viewers online, while he often takes part in television and radio shows where he tailors his presentations on difficult concepts for wide audiences.

Beacham studied physics and mathematics at the University of California in Santa Cruz and completed his doctoral studies at the New York City University. He specialises in high energy experimental physics, and he is a true supporter of science’s inseparable connection with art. He has also studied filmmaking and he is actively engaged with music. Recently he also presented Ex / Noise / CERN, a hybrid project colliding particle physics to experimental music.

Title: A Big Bang machine on the moon|| Date & Time: 29 April, 20.00- 20.50