Wilkinson seminar (January 2020)
Wilkinson Seminar (2nd ed.)
(or go to the 1st Wilkinson seminar page)
(or back to the Physics seminars page)
- What? To c or not to c – Physics in science-fiction writing
- Who? David Wilkinson – web & mail.
- Where? Wulfruna building (city campus), room MA030
- When? 15 January 2020, refreshments are available from 7.00pm, lecture starts at 7.30pm, we finish by 9.00pm.
- Why? IOP Evening Lecture, to hear about Sci-Fi from a published Author of the genre.
- How? The talk is one hour and open to questions — refreshments will be served.
- Chair: Sana Khalid
- Registration: (optional but recommended for catering) [ Get me some drinks].
Abstract: Science fiction has long been divided between authors who try to get all the physics right and those who abandon any pretence at considering real-world science at all. This lecture looks at some of those who tried and considers both how well they did and the innovative ideas they have come up with for future physics and technology. Examples including Le-Guin’s quantum-entanglement communications, Asimov’s robots, Reynolds’ consequences of the Twins Paradox and Niven/Pournelle’s use of an Orion propulsion system. Many others are discussed along with some of Wilkinson’s own ideas. And of course, there is the perennial question in space-based future fiction – whether faster-than-light travel is permitted. To have >c or <c? That is the question...
About the Speaker: David graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2001 with a degree in physics with medical applications. He immediately went to work for the Home Office as a government science in what was then called the Police Scientific Development Branch. He became a project manager in the less-lethal weapons programme and ran the scientific assessment of TASER technology before its introduction to the UK in 2005. He then moved to drugs detection where he worked with University College London on a project using low-angle X-ray scattering. In 2007 he became the Midlands Regional Officer for the Institute of Physics and has subsequently gained Chartered Physicist status and been appointed a visiting fellow at Nottingham Trent University. David is also a published science fiction author, his second novel having come out last year.