The 16th Annual Biard Lecture: "Unravelling the Mysteries of Dark Energy with DESI"
Speaker -- Dr. Klaus Honscheid, OSU
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Archie M. Griffin East Ballroom, Ohio Union
Dr. Klaus Honscheid, Professor of Physics at The Ohio State University, is a key figure in the development of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)—a revolutionary project designed to map the large-scale structure of the universe. He played a central role in designing DESI’s robotic fiber positioning system, which enables the instrument to capture light from over 5,000 galaxies simultaneously. His contributions are helping scientists investigate the mysterious force known as dark energy, believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe.
This talk will be free, open to all, and intended for general audiences. It will be followed by a reception with snacks where you can meet the speaker.
If you have questions about accessibility or wish to request an accommodation for a disability, please contact John Beacom (beacom.7@osu.edu; 614-247-8102). With advance notice of two weeks, we can generally provide seamless access.
To RSVP, please go to 16th Biard Lecture Registration.
Doors open at 6:00 PM -- This will be a great chance to meet and mingle with others in the science community.
Event Schedule
- 6:30 PM – Lecture begins
- 7:30 PM – Question and Answer session
- 8:00 PM – Reception with hors d'oeuvres and beverages
- 9:00 PM – Venue closes
Venue
The Ohio Union is located at 1739 N. High Street, at the corner of 12th Avenue and High Street. The event will take place in Archie Griffin East Ballroom (room 2133), located on the 2nd floor of the Union on the north side of the building.
Parking
Parking is available in the following garages: Ohio Union North, Ohio Union South, and Arps Garages.These garages use pay-on-foot machines. Upon entry, you will receive a ticket—please keep it with you and make your payment at a machine before returning to your vehicle. This helps keep exit lines moving efficiently. Pay machines accept cash, credit cards, and validations.
The R. Jack and Forest Lynn Biard Cosmology and Astrophysics Lecture is an annual series of lectures created and endowed by a generous estate gift by the late Captain Forrest R. Biard, U.S. Navy. Free and open to the public, these annual lectures bring recognized speakers at the forefront of cosmology and astrophysics research to campus for the benefit of the university and central Ohio community.
The cornerstone of CCAPP's outreach effort, the Biard Lecture allows scientists and non-scientists alike to learn about new discoveries, theories, and experiments in the field of astrophysics. In addition to increasing public awareness of the scientific advances made possible by taxpayer-supported funding, the Biard Lectures are an opportunity for the public to experience and enjoy the wonders of scientific exploration.