Ron Ekers (CSIRO)

Abstract: I will discuss the nature of scientific discoveries which are a key driver for the advancement of science. In the 90-year history of radio astronomy many of the most significant advances in our understanding of the Universe have resulted from technology enabled serendipity. I will discuss a few of these cases (quasars, pulsars and the galactic centre) in detail to illustrate how the path to discovery can be very different from the widely accepted scientific methodology. I will also comment on how the vision to explore the unknown has influenced the development of the SKA and its precursors. (Image credit: Daily Telegraph)

The de Laeter Colloquium series features distinguished national and international scientists as speakers, aimed at enhancing interaction between CSIRO, SKAO, the two ICRAR nodes, and high-profile centres of astronomical research around the world.