PI Public Lecture Series:
Title: Farms, Food and Photonics
Abstract:
The 21st century will come to be known as the age of photonics, as we exploit our ability to make and manipulate light as an amazing carrier of energy and information. From quantum computing and entanglement to eye surgery and solar energy, humans are already reaping the benefits of our own endeavours to understand and control light.
In her public lecture, Cather Simpson from the University of Auckland will
highlight her research in exploring how recent advances in the physics of light are transforming our ability to feed the planet safely and sustainably.
Cather Simpson moved from Case Western Reserve University in the USA to the University of Auckland’s Physics and
Chemistry Departments in 2007. There, she started the Photon Factory, a laser centre whose mission is to exploit exotic, ultrashort pulsed lasers to enable cross-disciplinary research from the very fundamental to the applied and entrepreneurial. Simpson’s research explores the interaction of light with matter, particularly how materials can convert light into more useful forms of
energy. A relatively recent area of focus is in agriculture, where her work has led to two international award-winning spinout companies. Her recent accolades include a NZ Teaching Excellence award and the 2016 Silicon Valley Forum 1st-place AgTech medal. She was named Baldwins Researcher Entrepreneur and BNZ Supreme winner at the 2016 KiwiNet awards, and is a NZ Primary Industries Champion and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Aparangi.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Attendance to the lecture is free, but advance
tickets are required. Due to the overwhelming response to past lectures,
tickets will be honoured until 6:45 pm only. If you have not arrived by 6:45 pm
your reservation may be filled by guests in our waiting line, and you may be
asked to join the end of the waiting line.
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