Media

OTTAWA, February 3, 2010  —  Dr. Neil Turok, Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Waterloo, ON), is the keynote speaker at the fourth annual David Makow Lecture on Tolerance and Intolerance, tomorrow, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7 p.m.

Over the past century, scientists have developed a remarkably precise and complete description of the universe and of all the physical laws that govern it. This knowledge is one of our most powerful and precious possessions and has enormous potential as a unifier of people from all countries and cultures.

In the first part of his lecture titled The Next Einstein Initiative, Neil Turok will describe the significance of basic physics and his own research interests, as they relate to what happened during the Big Bang.

In the second part, Turok will talk about his work at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which he founded seven years ago in Cape Town, South Africa, his country of origin.

The AIMS is a pan-African centre for postgraduate training and research in mathematical sciences, which supports the development of mathematics and science across the African continent. Since 2003, the Institute has seen over 300 students pass through its doors. The vast majority of these graduates have gone on to successful scientific careers in various African countries. Based on the proven success of AIMS, a plan for a new project has been launched to develop the AIMS Next Einstein Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to create many AIMS centres across Africa in hopes of nurturing the next Einstein.

WHAT: The annual David Makow Lecture on Tolerance and Intolerance

WHEN: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Tabaret Hall, Room 112 (550 Cumberland Street)

A reception will follow the lecture.

Free parking will be available on campus in lots A, B and C (located at the corner of Cumberland and Wilbrod streets).

The annual David Makow Lecture on Tolerance and Intolerance is a multidisciplinary lecture series which explores cross-cultural issues in the hope of inspiring Canadian students to become agents of change on the world stage.