The Marie Curie Lecture Tour 2026: Painting the Universe
Friday 21 August 2026
6 – 7:45pm
1 hour 45 minutes
The national Marie Curie Lecture Tour returns to Newcastle during National Science Week 2026, thanks to the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), in collaboration with the City of Newcastle and the School of Science, University of Newcastle.
In this lecture, Dr Karelle Siellez weaves together sound, art, and astrophysics to explore the story of gravitational waves and the collisions that create the elements we are made of. Through “multi-messenger” signals like kilonovae and gamma-ray bursts, we’ll uncover how the cosmos communicates its most violent events. Blending scientific insights with creative expression, this journey reveals how listening to the Universe—and protecting its silence—can connect science, nature, and humanity.
Dr Karelle Siellez is a French astrophysicist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania. A specialist in multi-messenger astronomy, she contributed to the first detection of a gamma-ray burst and gravitational waves from the same cosmic event, recognised with the 2017 Breakthrough Prize. She is also an award-winning science communicator who integrates art, sound, and storytelling into her work, making complex astrophysics accessible and inspiring.
The AIP is grateful for support from the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia initiative.
Doors open and refreshments available from 6pm, talk at 6:30–7:30pm.
Cost: Adults - $10 | Under 18s - Free
Ages: 10+ yrs, children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Can't attend the event? You can watch the livestream, register now via the AIP website.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
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In this lecture, Dr Karelle Siellez weaves together sound, art, and astrophysics to explore the story of gravitational waves and the collisions that create the elements we are made of. Through “multi-messenger” signals like kilonovae and gamma-ray bursts, we’ll uncover how the cosmos communicates its most violent events. Blending scientific insights with creative expression, this journey reveals how listening to the Universe—and protecting its silence—can connect science, nature, and humanity.
Dr Karelle Siellez is a French astrophysicist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania. A specialist in multi-messenger astronomy, she contributed to the first detection of a gamma-ray burst and gravitational waves from the same cosmic event, recognised with the 2017 Breakthrough Prize. She is also an award-winning science communicator who integrates art, sound, and storytelling into her work, making complex astrophysics accessible and inspiring.
The AIP is grateful for support from the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia initiative.
Doors open and refreshments available from 6pm, talk at 6:30–7:30pm.
Cost: Adults - $10 | Under 18s - Free
Ages: 10+ yrs, children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Can't attend the event? You can watch the livestream, register now via the AIP website.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
