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"Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and beauty of the world. And it's breathtaking."
Carlo Rovelli is an Italian theoretical physicist who works mainly in the field of Quantum Gravity. Carlo studied at the Universities of Bologna, Padova, Rome, Trieste and Yale, and is currently Emeritus Professor at the Centre de Physique Theorique of Marseille in France. His popular science book Seven Briefs Lessons on Physics has been translated into 41 languages and sold over one million copies. He was named one of the 100 most influential thinkers in 2019 by Foreign Policy magazine.
Rovelli's interests extend to philosophy, religion and politics. His experience as an activist also formed his belief that science should be an act of learned rebellion that puts into question received knowledge.
"Rovelli is wonderfully human, gentle and witty ... he is as much philosopher and poet as he is a scientist." — Irish Times
“See you, either in Hell, or in Communism.”
Slavoj Žižek infamously said “Humanity is OK, but 99% of people are boring idiots” — Žižek himself is certainly neither boring nor an idiot. Žižek is arguably the most provocative philosopher of our times. Foreign Policy named Žižek a Top 100 Global Thinker "for giving voice to an era of absurdity”. With never a dull moment, Žižek breathes new life into Marxism, Hegel, psychoanalysis, philosophy, politics, film and culture.
Žižek is the author of more than 50 books, including most recently Against Progress. He is a senior researcher at the University of Ljubljana's Department of Philosophy.
“There is something inexplicably touching about all Žižek's mischievous bombast” — The Guardian
“Tories must not forget there is more to life than money.”
Jesse Norman is a distinguished British politician, author, and academic, recognized for his profound contributions to political thought and public service. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire since 2010, he has held various ministerial roles, including Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister of State for Transport. Currently, he serves as Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.
An esteemed scholar, Norman is a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. He has authored influential works such as Edmund Burke: The Visionary Who Invented Modern Politics and Adam Smith: What He Thought, and Why It Matters.
“Mr Norman is David Cameron’s philosopher-in-chief.”
“Life is too short to waste in negativity. So I focus on the positive.”
Sarah Jane Brown is a British campaigner for global health and a powerhouse of activism and social change. Known for her unyielding passion for education and health equity, she channels this ethos into her relentless advocacy, inspiring global movements that bridge gaps in opportunity for millions of children.
A dynamic force, Brown’s work is a rallying cry for progress, blending compassion with strategic brilliance. Whether reshaping policies or igniting grassroots action, she is a changemaker you cannot overlook.
"Sarah has become a tireless advocate for children's education, creating global movements and ensuring children’s rights are not ignored."
"Quantum mechanics makes absolutely no sense."
Roger Penrose is a world-renowned mathematician, mathematical physicist, philosopher of science and Nobel Laureate in Physics. He is best known for his work on general relativity and black holes. He also shared the Wolf Prize for Physics with Stephen Hawking for his work on black holes. Additionally, he is the author of The Road to Reality, Cycles of Time and Shadows of the Mind.
Penrose is also a physics and philosophy populariser making appearances on the BBC, Closer to Truth and the Joe Rogan Experience.
"Sir Roger Penrose’s research has had a profound impact on human understanding of the universe and of the fundamental laws of physics that govern the universe." — Stephen Hawking Foundation
"Engineering really has the power to change our futures."
Dr Shini Somara is an award-winning media broadcaster and a highly accomplaished British mechanical engineer specialising in Computational Fluid Dyanmics.
In her mission to bring complex science, technology and engineering to everyone, Dr Somara has published 6 childrens STEM books and runs a podcast for Women in STEM. Her passion, knowledge and fascination for innovation has led to multiple TV appearances as an engineering expert on Sky, Discovery, The Science Channel, UKTV, Yesterday Channels. She is a TEDX Speaker and hosted Crash Course's hit YouTube series on Physics and Engineering, collectively garnering over 60 million views.
"Inspiring and inclusive." - BookTrust
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