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Frank Wilczek is the Herman Fesbach professor of Physics at MIT,  Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is generally considered to be one of the world's most eminent theoretical physicists

He is known, among other things, for the discovery of asymptotic freedom, the development of quantum chromodynamics, the invention of axions, and the exploration of new kinds of quantum statistics (anyons). Much in demand for public lectures to a wide range of audiences, Frank has been anthologized in the Norton Anthology of Light Verse and twice in Best American Science Writing (2003, 2005). He is the author of Longing for the Harmonies and The Lightness of Being.

In 2004 he received the Nobel Prize in Physics, and in 2005 the King Faisal Prize.

His latest book: A Beautiful Question, Finding Nature’s Deep Design argues  that beauty is at the heart of the logic of the universe, a principle that has guided his pioneering work in quantum physics.

Frank explores the idea of beauty in theoretical physics and whether you can say such a subjective notion, which some scientists find controversial, is describable.

Professor Wilczek’s current work:
Currently Frank is working on several projects including two very different things to do with perception. Firstly, colour perception;   how much our colour perception drawn from evolution leaves ‘on the table’ and how we might get it back and how software and hardware might help us retrieve this  detection of colour, including infrared and ultra violet.  Secondly, perception in  the quantum world. Lots of structure, says Frank,   in  quantum equations is at present inaccessible. We can describe the micro world but not the quantum world very well. He predicts a new kind a matter called enyons, which might also be useful for building quantum computers. Current experimental technique is not delicate enough. People can’t verify it, even though the equations tell you it’s there. Frank is trying to come up with a strategy to nail it down and explore the quantum world with more refinement.

The last couple of years have seen Khalid Shafar emerge as a figurehead for Emirati design. He is one of the few UAE design professionals to be known both locally and internationally.

In 2011 Khalid opened his own studio in Dubai, and in Nov 2012 he started  his first showcase space ‘KASA’. Khalid’s approach to design encompasses his personal expression of form, movement, emotion, and in particular, ‘the tale’, or story, of objects.

KASA is in the heart of the old Ras Al Khor industrial area of Dubai

KASA aims toshowcase original Emirati objects – all designed and made in the UAE. The space will offer designers, collectors and researchers, both national and international, a unique perspective of the aesthetics of UAE design, while shedding light on the influences of local crafts upon it.

Khalid is interested in the story designs tell us and explains  how he feels beauty is important but for him is  secondary to form and function.

Lucy McRae is a science fiction artist, director and self proclaimed body architect probing the frontiers of the body, health and human adaptability. Her work aims to connect science with the imagination.

"... I look for beauty in the biological responding to future scenarios like space travel to radically transform the life sciences. I want to spearhead a health revolution and impact the way people embody the future... "

Trained in classical ballet and interior design Lucy’s artistic study of technology began during her formative years at Philips Design. She led the technology company’s far–future research lab developing stretchable electronics, an electronic tattoo and a range of emotional sensing dresses awarded TIME’s Best Inventions of 2007.

“... I am willing to go far, for an experience or understanding and look to the fringes of culture for inspiration and criticism. Provoked by complex problems faced by scientists, physicists and mathematicians I love impossible challenges – the further out the better... "

Lucy talks about how our perceptions of beauty may change as we evolve and travel in outer space.

School geometry should start with the science of perspective.  This would empower students to do some attractive, surprising, artistic things right away, and would immediately enrich their experience of the (visual) world.  They wouldn’t feel that they are passive recipients of useless information.   Bonus: The first steps in perspective are easier than Euclidean geometry!

Photo: Leonardo da Vinci"s "The Last Supper" which shows the use of perspective.