For September, BrisScience will once again present The University of Queensland’s annual Research Week Public Lecture. This year’s talks are:

Towards High Efficiency Microalgal Biofuel Systems
By Associate Professor Ben Hankamer, UQ Institute of Molecular Bioscience

About the topic:
Science leaves little doubt that concerted action is needed to develop carbonfree energy technologies. Fuels make up the majority of the global energy market; electricity accounts for only a small portion. Despite this, almost all efforts to develop carbon-free energy are focused on electricity (eg solar, wind, nuclear and carbon-capture technology). In contrast — and almost uniquely — biofuels target the much-larger fuel market and have clear potential to play an increasingly important role. In this talk, Dr Hankamer will explain the exciting research under way to develop biofuels from microalgae.

Has Science made religion obsolete?
By Professor Peter Harrison, UQ Centre for the History of European Discourses

About the topic:
It is often thought that clashes between religion and science are inevitable, and that widespread acceptance of a scientific worldview will necessarily lead to a decline in religious belief. In this talk, Prof Peter Harrison will examine past and present relations between science and religion, and consider how patterns of religious belief have changed in response to the growth of modern science.

• Doors open at 6pm
• Arrangements: Please note that you must register for this talk.
• Refreshments: There will be complimentary drinks and nibblies following the talk, where Prof. Hankamer and Prof. Harrison will be available to answer any questions
• Questions? Contact Andrew.