Newswise — May 25, 2016 (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) – To err is human, even for the most brilliant humans. Blunders are not only bound to happen, argues astrophysicist Mario Livio, but are integral components of the scientific process.

In his webcast, part of from Perimeter Institute Public Lecture Series, Livio will explore how some of the biggest “eureka” moments in science are preceded by an “oops.” The public lecture, titled “Brilliant Blunders” (like Livio’s best-selling 2013 book), will be webcast live on the Perimeter Institute website and via partner organizations on Wednesday June 1 at 7 PM EDT.

“The way that we march to the truth is not on a straight line, but rather a zig-zag path,” says Livio. “This is part of the way science works.”

An internationally renowned astrophysicist and bestselling author, Livio has published more than 400 scientific papers on topics ranging from dark energy and cosmology to black holes and extrasolar planets. He is also the author of five popular science books, including The Golden Ratio and Is God a Mathematician? His most recent book, Brilliant Blunders, was on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and was selected by The Washington Post as one of the Best Books of the Year in 2013.

Following his talk, Livio will answer questions from the online and in-house audience – including questions submitted prior to and during the talk via Facebook and Twitter (using the hashtag #piLIVE). Questions are welcomed from everyone – aspiring scientific explorers, school classes, physics and chemistry buffs, and general science enthusiasts.

Click here to sign up for a reminder to tune-in to the live webcast.

View past PI Public Lectures and events, and find further details about PI’s research, training, and outreach activities at www.perimeterinstitute.ca.

LIVE WEBCAST DETAILS• What: Mario Livio, Brilliant Blunders• When: Wednesday, June 1, 7 PM EDT• Where: Live at Perimeter Institute, webcast online at http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/now-streamingClick here to sign up to receive an email reminder about this live webcast• Pose questions for Livio by tweeting @Perimeter using the hashtag #piLIVE• More info: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/outreach/general-public/public-lecture-series

ABOUT PERIMETER INSTITUTEPerimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Eamon O’FlynnManager, Media Relationseoflynn[at]perimeterinstitute[dot]ca(519) 569-7600 x5071@Perimeter

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