Science Cafe

Mapping The Invisible Universe

Dr Josie Rawes, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York

Explore how astronomers map a universe we can’t see with our eyes by tuning into radio wavelengths, revealing hidden structures and phenomena. This talk introduces why radio telescopes must be so large, how they uncover dramatic extragalactic jets from distant galaxies, and what comes next with next-generation observatories and the growing challenge of managing vast amounts of cosmic data.

Working class lobsters – the crayfish ecological power struggle

Dr Josie South, School of Biology, University of Leeds

Crayfish are cute, dastardly, and delicious. Some are disappearing before our eyes while some are wreaking ecological havoc. Join us in discussing why these species are so divisive and what attributes make you a winner or a loser in the ecological power struggle of the working class lobster.

The Cambrian Explosion and the financial success of Berkshire Hathaway

Prof. Richard Mann, School of Mathematics, University of Leeds

· The Cambrian Explosion marks one of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of life on Earth, when most major animal groups first appear in the fossil record. Compared to later periods, the rate at which new species emerged was strikingly rapid.

· In the world of finance, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, has outperformed the broader market for decades. Much of that advantage was concentrated in its early years, when growth was fastest.

· These two very different examples reveal a shared pattern. Successful growth often follows a predictable trajectory: an initial burst of rapid expansion, followed by slower, steadier progress. In this talk, I’ll explore how stochastic models of growth naturally produce this pattern, and what they can teach us about the history of life, evolution, and how to invest our money.