illuminating science

This Sunday, we’re putting on a “Science in the Pub” activity. Basically, it involves going down to one of the local pubs and having a lively discussion about an interesting topic in physics - this time around it’s debating Einstein receiving the Time magazine “Person of the Century” award. As a physicist, of course, I’m overjoyed (!) but at the same time, did Einstein really do more for humanity than anyone else? Other contenders were Gandhi and Nelson Mandella, strong advocates of human rights - do all of Einstein’s theories really make him more qualified? If that was all it were, I’d have to say no - but of course it’s not. Einstein was a strong advocate of peace and pacifism (though I don’t really agree with the latter) and campaigned against nuclear warfare. Despite not being a believer in any established religion, he was offered the presidency of Israel, but turned it down, claiming he didn’t have people skills. Even beyond that, his trademark hairdo and sense of humour (as illustrated by the famous photo of him sticking his tongue out!) have done wonders for promoting physics. Einstein was a brilliant physicist, perhaps the most brilliant ever (though that’s probably highly controversial :)), but was still able to communicate with the rest of the public and make great contributions to society. I think that’s enough to justify him as Person of the 20th Century.
Of course, if you’d like to have your say - you should come to the pub on Sunday! The whole idea of this event is to tak ephysics out of the lab and into a more relaxed environment, and encourage every one, physicist or not, to be involved. It should be a great event, but unfortunately it is for over-18’s only. Hope to see you there! Yours truly might also be putting on some half-time entertainment as well!

Here’s the details!

The Qld branches of the Australian Institute of Physics & Australian Science Communicators present:

EINSTEIN AT THE PUB

A public debate on the topic of
‘Einstein: Person of the 20th century or overrated?’.

Hosted by Robyn Williams from ABC TV and radio.

TIME: 2pm

DATE: Sunday 13 March

VENUE: The GPO hotel,
corner of Ann and Ballow Streets, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane (upstairs in the 740 room)

(As it will be held in a hotel, the event is ,unfortunately, for those 18 and over.)

COST: Free!

Audience prizes include Einstein action figures & books on Einstein.

Staged as part of celebrations for this year’s Einstein International
Year of Physics.

OUTLINE

To many, Einstein is a great hero. Indeed, a few years ago, ‘Time’ magazine named him as their person of the
20th century. In their eyes, his life was more significant than those of figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi.

Was this the correct decison? Did Einstein really contribute more to the world than any of last century’s great leaders, humanitarians, artists and anyone else? Or is he simply overrated?

Join Robyn Williams from ABC TV and radio as he hosts a debate on these questions between a panel of experts comprising two physicists and a debater.

The panelists are:

Dr Andrew White, The University of Queensland. Andrew is a world expert on quantum computers and is
currently trying to build one of these ultra-powerful devices. In his spare time, he patches up his crumbling Queenslander
house and reads just about anything he can lay his hands on.

Dr Kate Wilson, the Australian National University. Kate is a lecturer in physics and is primarily interested in innovative
approaches to teaching physics. Her hobbies include painting and trying to find something fun to do in Canberra.

Matt Smith, The University of Queensland. Matt is a final-year medicine student who holds a degree in neuroscience. He is a keen debater and has represented Queensland at national-level debates.