Stephen Webb

Educator/Teacher, Scientist, Writer/Editor

Science is awe-inspiring, endlessly fascinating, and our best hope for the future. I try to capture at least some of that in my books. I've begun to broaden my scope slightly, though: my latest book, published in January 2018, is "Clash of Symbols" - it gives the stories behind 100 characters, signs, and symbols. So, if you want to know more about the ampersand, I'm your go-to guy! Outside of work and writing I play football (at a level that's now more enthusiastic than skilful) and drink way too much tea.

I have a passion for learning why the world is the way it is, and asking whether it could be any different. The passion came about from reading science fiction - Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke in particular - and it led me to study particle physics. Later, I became interested in cosmology. I find it delightful that ideas developed to understand the microcosm are finding application in the study of the macrocosm. I enjoy trying to convey to others my delight in the wonders of science - and so, when I get time, I write. Oh, and I love football ("soccer", as the rest of the world seems to call it).

A question: "Where is everybody?"

Fermi paradox, Futurism, Higher education, Science fiction

TED2018 will be my first TED event. I'm therefore: excited, curious, slightly nervous ... but mainly really looking forward to it.

Cryptic crosswords