to deliver Eero Saarinen Lecture
Renowned scientist Stephen Wolfram will deliver this year's Eero Saarinen Lecture, "A New Kind of Science," at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, in Hastings Hall at the School of Architecture, 180 York St.
The lecture is free and open to the public.
Wolfram is recognized as one of the world's most important innovators in computing and software technology. He is the creator of "Mathematica," a computational system of far-ranging application, which has revolutionized how individuals understand basic principles of physics and biology.
Noting that the Saarinen Lecturers are individuals "whose original accomplishments outside the specific realm of architecture have had a profound effect on the field," Architecture Dean Robert A.M. Stern said, "Wolfram's research into computational language has opened up new ways for all of us to rethink relationships between nature and the man-made world."
Educated at Eton, Oxford and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Wolfram published his first scientific paper at the age of 15 and earned his doctorate in theoretical physics by the age of 20. He began using computers in his work as early as 1973 and rapidly became a leader in the emerging field of scientific computing.
For his early work in physics and computing, Wolfram received a MacArthur Prize in 1981, becoming the youngest recipient of the coveted "genius" award. Embarking on a new direction in science aimed at understanding the origins of complexity in nature, Wolfram used computer experiments to study the behavior of simple computer programs known as "cellular automata." A series of discoveries about the origins of complexity grew out of this work and laid the groundwork for the emerging field that Wolfram called "complex systems research."
Through the mid-1980s, Wolfram continued his work on complexity, discovering a number of fundamental connections between computation and nature, and inventing such concepts as computational irreducibility. His work provided the main scientific foundations for such initiatives as complexity theory and artificial life.
In 1986 Wolfram founded the first research center and the first journal in the field of complex systems research. Retiring from academia after a distinguished career at Caltech, Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study and the University of Illinois, the scientist launched Wolfram Research Inc.
Wolfram began the development of "Mathematica" in late 1986. When it was released in 1988, "Mathematica" was hailed as a major advance in computing. Its popularity grew rapidly, and Wolfram Research became established as a world leader in the software industry.
Building on his work from the mid-1980s, Wolfram made a rapid succession of major discoveries, developing a fundamentally new conceptual framework, which he applied not only to new kinds of questions, but also to many existing foundational problems in physics, biology, computer science, mathematics and several other fields.
Wolfram described his achievements in his acclaimed book "A New Kind of Science," which was released in 2002 and immediately became a bestseller. Wolfram is now developing a series of research and educational initiatives in the science he has created.
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Initiative puts summer study abroad in reach of all students
Study: Wider HIV testing could curb spread of disease
Students find harmony mixing science and music
Fleury extends term as dean of engineering
School of Forestry & Environmental Sciences dean delivers . . .
New Peabody exhibit devoted to the world's largest animals
In another Peabody display, guests can see species of plants that are pests
Designer's metal 'Tropical House' will be spotlight of exhibition
Researcher testing acupuncture's effectiveness in easing back pain
DIVINITY SCHOOL NEWSEvents explore black theological education, Parks-King legacy
Project will preserve material documenting church work . . .
Noted Catholic scholar of Western Christian mysticism . . .
Studies find that proteins in amniotic fluid are predictor of preterm labor
Renowned computational language expert to deliver Eero Saarinen Lecture
Library's 'Wake the Dream' program honors Yale's first Chinese alumnus
'Video as Advocacy' to be among topics at 'Rebellious Lawyering' event
Scientists find that smoking can impair memory . . .
Scientists call for study of vaccine's impact on shingles
Finland tops latest ranking of environmentally sound nations
'Intimate Partners' author to talk at Jonathan Edwards master's tea
Two authors win YCIAS book prizes
Students' work on behalf of the community supported by Liman Fellowships
Environmental leaders named F&ES visiting fellows for 2005-2006
Yale luminaries to share expertise for LEAP fundraiser
Sharing cultures through performance
Yale Books in Brief
Campus Notes
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home