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7:30 pm, Friday, May 1st, 2015
Buchanan room A201, 1866 Main Mall, UBC campus

 

"Reflections on blue sky research"

Serge Haroche

College de France, Paris
Nobel Laureate 2012

Mankind has always been fascinated by fundamental questions about the Universe and our place in it. This has led to the development of curiosity-driven research, whose successes are among the jewels of our civilized world. There is indeed an aesthetic truth in a scientific theory, comparable to the gratuitous beauty of a piece of art. In addition, basic science is essential to the development of new technologies. I will show that the knowledge accumulated by the fundamental approach to science has led, often in unpredictable ways, to practical applications which have revolutionized our daily lives. I will also reflect on the dangers blue sky research faces in our uncertain global world and explain why it is essential to protect it and to make it thrive, in spite of the present economic difficulties.

To learn more please visit his webpage.

Note:Professor Haroche will be giving TWO public lectures - the 1st is on Thursday 30th April, Please check here.

Additional resources for this talk: slides and video.