North East Alumni Chapter Gathering, The James Webb Space Telescope: New Insights on The Universe, and Life Beyond Earth

Join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening, listening to what will be a fascinating talk on the James Webb Space Telescope presented by Professor Ward, with provided refreshments beforehand.

Professor Martin Ward

Professor Ward is an Emeritus Temple Chevallier Professor of Astronomy and Associate Fellow of The Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University. His impressive CV as a scientist, includes the following memberships: Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Fellow of the Institute of Physics, Associate of the Royal College of Science (Imperial College),Research Fellow of Claire Hall, Cambridge, (1982-86), Tutorial Fellow of St. Catherine’s College Oxford, (1990-96).

He has published more than 400 papers in various international refereed journals, and published invited chapters in several books, and edited one of Durham’s Institute of Advanced Study, annual publications. He has served on international committees, and typically gives several public lectures each year, including a major lecture in Durham Castle in 2023.  In 2023 , he gave one of the Physics Departments’ especially-named lectures, ‘The Temple Chevallier lecture in 2023’. He also appeared on TV as a guest on “The Sky at Night”, with Patrick Moore, “In Our Time” with Melvyn Bragg, and “Start the Week” with Andrew Marr.

The James Webb Space Telescope: New Insights on The Universe, and Life Beyond Earth

In this Alumni Talk, Professor Ward will be describing the James Webb Space Telescope. One of its instruments was partly constructed by staff at Durham University. His talk will be non-technical and wide ranging, from why we study the Universe, to results from the new biggest telescope in Space. He will explain how we are using the James Webb Telescope to help us to address the question "Is there life elsewhere in the Universe?".

Further information

This event is being organised by alumni volunteers in Durham as part of the North East Alumni Chapter.

We look forward to seeing you there!