Albert Einstein famously wrote to fellow physicist Max Born: “I, at any rate, am convinced that God is not playing at dice.” A century later, physicists regularly invoke chance and randomness to explain the natural world. What does this mean? Has physics resolved whether the universe fundamentally operates by chance? This talk explores these deep questions at the intersection of physics, cosmology, and philosophy.

This free event is presented by the Australian Institute of Physics (NSW Branch) and Macquarie University. 

Tickets are FREE but must be booked from 30 June 2026 at: https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/events/events/2025-einstein-lecture/

Doors Open 6pm with light refreshments served
Lecture 6.30pm

About the Speaker:
Dr Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and Senior Lecturer in Physics at Western Sydney University. He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009 and is a John Templeton Fellow.

His research focuses on cosmology, galaxy formation, and the fine-tuning of the universe for life. He has modelled galaxy formation using supercomputer simulations, linking theory with observations through radiative transfer modelling, including Lyman-alpha emission and absorption, and realistic IFU observations. His work also explores the effects of alternative physics on stars, the cosmological constant, and the conditions necessary for intelligent life.

Dr Barnes has contributed to the philosophy of science, particularly in examining how multiverse theories can be tested using probability. He is the co-author (with Professor Geraint Lewis) of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely-Tuned Cosmos and The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook, both published by Cambridge University Press.

The Einstein Lecture is an annual public event that showcases world-leading experts and explores topics inspired by Einstein’s ideas and their impact on modern science and technology. Previous lectures have covered areas from quantum computing to plasma physics and astrophysics, aiming to inspire curiosity and excitement about the universe.