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10/9/2008

Einstein’s legacy topic of Oct. 15 President’s Lecture

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

Physicists are still trying to finish what Albert Einstein started in their quest for a unified theory that ties the laws of physics together in a tidy package. Sylvester James Gates Jr. will address the problems the pioneer left behind and how science is addressing them in “Einstein’s New Millennium Legacy,” the next event in the President’s Lecture Series at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at Rice's Janice and Robert McNair Hall.

	SYLVESTER JAMES GATES JR.

Gates, director of the Center for String and Particle Theory at the University of Maryland, is a specialist in supersymmetry and string theory. He has become a public evangelist for cutting-edge physics through his appearances on a number of PBS programs, including “The Elegant Universe” and “Einstein’s Big Idea.” An interview with him appears here on PBS’ Nova Web site.

Gates is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; the American Physical Society, which named him the first recipient of the Bouchet Award; and the National Society of Black Physicists, of which he is a past president. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 published research papers, co-authored one book and contributed numerous articles in others. This year, he participated in a number of events at the World Science Festival in New York City, including the “Beyond Einstein” panel.

President's Lecture Series
Mark your calendar for other upcoming speakers in the President's Lecture Series His awards include the MIT Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, the Klopsteg Award of the American Association of Physics Teachers and an award, previously given to Carl Sagan, from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Supported by the J. Newton Rayzor Lecture Fund, the President’s Lecture Series has long been a distinguished element of Rice’s academic community. The series, open to the Rice community and the people of Houston, embodies William Marsh Rice’s commitment to contribute educational opportunities to the broader society. The Office of the President sponsors the series as it continues to bring stimulating speakers who foster understanding about a wide range of topics in the sciences, humanities, engineering, social sciences, architecture, music and public policy.

No tickets are required for admission to the lecture. Seating will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 713-348-5585 or e-mail ricepls@rice.edu.