Christophe Galfard - Five Way Interview

Christophe Galfard holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Cambridge, where he was Stephen Hawking's graduate student from 2000 to 2006, researching the so-called black hole information paradox. With Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy Hawking, he co-authored George’s Secret Key to the Universe. His own book, The Universe in Your Hand, has been translated into over twenty languages. His new book is This is Life.

Why science?

Because as far as I am concerned, it is by far, the most powerful, imaginative and thrilling discipline ever invented by mankind, a discipline whose discoveries are humankind’s common heritage.

Why this book?

I wrote this book so that everyone can have an up to date knowledge of what is known about life here on Earth - from its beginning to the most recent medical discoveries - and out there in outer space.

I love the way you link from one topic to another, often in rapid succession: was this a conscious decision, or does it reflect your writing process?

Both! It gives an entertaining pace to the journey, which I wrote as an adventure, a quest undertaken by the reader.

What's next?

It’s a secret :-)

What's exciting you at the moment?

Pretty much everything that is scientific, from potential cancer cures to the discovery of alien species, without forgetting, of course, cosmology and black holes and the mysterious dark matter and energy! EVERYTHING!!

Image © Astrid di Crollalanza

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