Science & the Big Questions

On the Best Use of Science to Safeguard Humanity

For 50 years, the astrophysicist Martin Rees has contributed to our understanding of cosmology. Now he is speaking up about the promise and potential dangers of the science and technology that will arrive over the next 50 years and beyond.

Quanta Magazine

Topics: Martin Rees Technology

Cosmologist Martin Rees Gives Humanity a 50-50 Chance of Surviving the 21st Century

But he’s still an optimist.

Future Perfect, Vox

Topics: Martin Rees Technology

The Fourth Copernican Revolution

Is our universe one island in an archipelago?

Nautilus

Topics: Big Bang Martin Rees Multiverse Universe

A Cosmologist Advocates Thoughtful Deployment of Science and Technology to Address the Challenges Facing Humanity

A review of Martin Rees’ latest book, On the Future: Prospects for Humanity.

Science

Topics: Martin Rees Technology Wisdom

What Is Nothing? Martin Rees Q&A

From a mysterious energy of empty space to parallel universes, cosmology’s view of ‘nothing’ is anything but boring.

The Conversation

Topics: Dark Energy Martin Rees Multiverse String Theory Universe

Cosmic Thinker Worries About Ends of Science and Humanity

Cosmologist Martin Rees holds forth on multiverses, biothreats, AI, utopia, God, and “posthuman” science.

Cross-Check, Scientific American

Topics: Limits of Science Martin Rees Multiverse Technology

Black Holes Are Simpler Than Forests and Science Has Its Limits

Some insights might have to await a post-human intelligence.

Aeon

Topics: Complexity Knowledge Limits of Science Martin Rees Reductionism

Martin Rees on Speculative Physics

Astronomer Royal Martin Rees on the size of the physical universe, reconciling the physics of the very small with the physics of the very large, and more.

Big Questions Online

Topics: Big Bang Martin Rees Multiverse String Theory Universe

Aliens, Very Strange Universes, and Brexit — Martin Rees Q&A

Martin Rees is Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, the Astronomer Royal, a member of Britain’s House of Lords, and a former President of the Royal Society.

The Conversation

Topics: Intelligence Martin Rees Multiverse Technology Universe