The University of Portsmouth is inviting the public to an evening of discovery that explores the unseen forces shaping our planet and our universe
On Wednesday 26 November 2025, Life Solved Live: Inaugural Lectures will present two fascinating talks, Environmental Pollution: Here, There and Everywhere and Listening to Our Universe with Gravitational Waves, led by Professors Fay Couceiro and Laura Nuttall.
Together, these talks showcase how research helps us see and understand the invisible and intangible. From the tiny particles of plastic that linger unseen all around us, to the collisions of black holes in the farthest reaches of space – researchers at the University of Portsmouth reveal hidden phenomena that help us understand our existence in new and vital ways.
An Inaugural Lecture is one of the most prestigious events in the University’s Life Solved Live series, celebrating the achievements of professors and the impact of their research.
The evening begins with Professor Laura Nuttall from the University’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation will take audiences to the outer edges of the cosmos with her talk, ‘Listening to Our Universe with Gravitational Waves’. Her research in gravitational wave astronomy, the study of ripples in space and time caused by colliding black holes and neutron stars, is transforming how we understand the universe.
Until recently, the main way we looked at our cosmos was with electromagnetic waves like light, x-rays and radio. That’s like looking with our eyes. But gravitational wave astronomy is more like hearing the universe with our ears.
“Until recently, the main way we looked at our cosmos was with electromagnetic waves like light, x-rays and radio,” explained Professor Nuttall. “That’s like looking with our eyes. But gravitational wave astronomy is more like hearing the universe with our ears.
“Today, we’ve detected around 300 black hole mergers, as well as several neutron star collisions. With our global network of telescopes, we’re observing gravitational waves every few days and making new discoveries all the time.”
Following this, Professor Fay Couceiro, from the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying who will explore the unseen presence of pollution in air, soil and water - from microplastics to metals, nutrients and hydrocarbons. Her talk, ‘Environmental Pollution: Here, There and Everywhere’, reveals how invisible pollutants are affecting environments locally and across the globe.
I’ll showcase projects from the past and present, both locally and all the way on the other side of the planet. We’ll look at where I’ve found pollutants, how they ended up where they are, and where we go from here.
“I’ll discuss how I became a Professor of Environmental Pollution, why I study what I do, and why I think it’s important,” said Professor Couceiro. “I’ll showcase projects from the past and present, both locally and all the way on the other side of the planet. We’ll look at where I’ve found pollutants, how they ended up where they are, and where we go from here.”
The Life Solved Live: Inaugural Lectures event will take place at the University of Portsmouth on Wednesday 26 November 2025. The event is free and open to all and will be held from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.
To reserve your free place, visit the Life Solved Live: Inaugural Lectures Eventbrite page.
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