The Dark Side of the Universe: Revealing Dusty Galaxies and Massive Growing Black Holes
For centuries advances in astronomy were made at optical wavelengths. Over the last 50+ years, astronomers have expanded our view of the universe by building telescopes and instruments that can now detect light at wavelengths that our eyes are not sensitive to: gamma ray, X-ray, ultraviolet, infrared, submillimetre and radio.

Using these telescopes we have found that the most exciting and catastrophic astronomical events in the Universe are hidden at optical wavelengths by large amounts of dust and gas – small particles which effectively produce a wall of material and 'hide' any optical light – and only reveal themselves at gamma ray, X-ray and infrared radio wavelengths.

Dr David Alexander, our invited speaker from the Department of Physics at Durham University, will explain how the deepest-ever images of the Universe at X-ray and infrared wavelengths have advanced our understanding of the workings of the Universe. Using these observations, he will discuss with us how galaxies – and the massive black holes that lurk at their centres – grow and evolve in the Universe.

The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Ioannis Georgantopoulos from the National Observatory of Athens.

	When:			Τuesday 24 November 2009, 7 p.m.
	Where:			British Council, 17 Kolonaki Square, Athens

Admission Free
For further information and to reserve a place, please e-mail Olga Gratsaniti at Olga.Gratsaniti@britishcouncil.gr or call 210 369 2336.

Ultraviolet light and Health: Recent Scientific Developments in Skin Protection
What are ultraviolet UVA and UVB radiation? How does excessive exposure to the sun damage our eyes and skin? How can we protect ourselves, especially in a country as sunny as Greece? What is the link between excessive exposure to the sun and premature ageing?

Researcher Dr Maria Fousteri, Head of EKEVE Fleming Research Team, will talk about ultraviolet light and discuss with us issues of everyday concern in a simple, accessible, but scientific manner, while addressing recent scientific developments in skin protection. The discussion will be facilitated by Melina Tseliou, journalist (SKAI).

In collaboration with Eugenides Foundation and the French Institute in Athens, supported by Alexander Fleming Biomedical Sciences Research Centre.

	When:			Thursday 28 May 2009, 8 p.m.
	Where:			Eugenides Foundation, 387 Syngrou Avenue, P. Faliro, 175 64 Athens (entrance from 11 Pentelis Street)

Admission Free
For further information and to reserve a place, please call Mrs Nadia Sinopoulou on 210 946 9615.