From Here to Infinity: A Vision for the Future of Science - Martin Rees [epub]

One of our greatest scientific minds reflect on the role of science in the twenty-first century.

Science is often portrayed as an obscure, difficult discipline, governed by elite researchers and inaccessible to the general public. In this riveting, inspiring new book, preeminent astrophysicist Martin Rees overturns this view, urging improved communication between researchers and laypeople. In order to shape debates over healthcare, energy policy,space travel, and other vital issues, ordinary citizens must develop a “feel” for science―the one truly global culture―and engage directly with research rather than relying on pundits’ and politicians’ interpretations. Recognized as an expert on the political and ethical impact of science, Rees demonstrate show we must solve the new challenges we face―from population growth to climate change―by devising strategies with a long-term, global perspective. In the process, he offers insights into the prospects for future discoveries while also explaining science’s intrinsic limits. Just as importantly, Rees reminds us that science should be a source of pleasure and wonder for specialists and nonspecialists alike.

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From Booklist

Invited to deliver the 2010 BBC Reith Lectures, in which an eminence expounds on his specialty, Rees talked about science’s relevance to the future in broad terms, as the four talks reworked for this short tome indicate. The first mulls the extent to which scientists should involve themselves in public policy. So long as they don’t invoke their authority as experts in spheres beyond their ken, Rees, a former incumbent of Britain’s most prestigious scientific posts and author of works of popular science, in effect says to scientists, have at it. The second lecture picks three issues Rees regards as the most threatening to humanity and, therefore, suitable for science’s public activism—world population and food supply, climate change (the major worry in Rees’ Our Final Hour, 2003), and energy supplies. The third and fourth lectures are, respectively, about Rees’ predictions of future discoveries and his suggestions for enhancing the training of scientists in this era of globalization. A prominent figure and accessible writer, Rees will attract interest to his scientific observations and prognostications. --Gilbert Taylor

About the Author

Martin Rees is a leading cosmologist and astrophysicist. He is Master of Trinity College, Cambridge University, a member of the House of Lords, and former president of the Royal Society. He lives in Cambridge, UK.