Why do we spend billions of dollars building telescopes to study galaxies, exploding stars, and the mysterious dark energy that is accelerating the expansion of the Universe? The answer reaches far beyond astronomy. By using the cosmos as a vast natural laboratory, astrophysicists test the laws of nature under conditions impossible to recreate on Earth, probing mysteries such as dark matter, dark energy, gravity, and the origins of space and time. Along the way, advances in imaging, data science, computing, and international collaboration generate benefits that ripple through society. This talk explores some of the latest breakthroughs in astrophysics and how studying the Universe expands not only our knowledge, but also our technological and human horizons.

Tamara Davis AM FAA is a highly decorated professor of astrophysics at the University of Queensland, who researches cosmology and dark energy. She is Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) and her accolades include the Australian Academy of Science Nancy Millis Medal for female leadership in science, the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Ellery lectureship for career achievement, and an Order of Australia (AM) for "significant service to astrophysical science, to education, and to young astronomers”. She is an avid communicator of science and occasional guest host the ABC Science Show Catalyst, including the episode “Black Hole Hunters” which won the American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award.