As part of National Science Week, the University of Tasmania invites the community to a special public talk exploring the fascinating world of rare-earth elements.
Rare-earth elements have become increasingly important in modern society, underpinning technologies ranging from high-strength magnets and catalytic converters to renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced communication devices. At the same time, growing demand has focused attention on the challenges associated with their mining, processing, distribution, use, and recycling.
In this joint presentation, Dr Owen Missen and Dr Andy McCulloch from the University of Tasmania will provide complementary geological and physics perspectives on these critical materials. Dr Missen will discuss where rare-earth elements are found, the minerals that host them, and the environmental and geochemical processes that influence their behaviour. Dr McCulloch will explain the unique physical properties that make rare-earth elements so valuable and illustrate their role in the technologies that support everyday life.
The talk is designed for a general audience and will help build a common understanding of what rare-earth elements are, why they matter, and the opportunities and challenges associated with their growing importance.
About the experts
- Owen is the environmental geology lecturer at the University of Tasmania. Owen undertakes research across the entire mining value chain, focusing on the environmental behaviour of metals at the earth’s surface.
- Andy is a lecturer with background in quantum, atomic, and optical physics, with an interest in communicating the ideas behind, and the inner workings of the technologies which underpin our society.
If you prefer to attend online, join at: https://utas.zoom.us/j/87309105981
Held in partnership with the Institute of Physics and the University of Tasmania