One of the founding fathers of string theory, Professor Leonard Susskind, will give a free public lecture at the University on Thursday 26 February.

In his lecture on Darwin and the cosmic landscape, the distinguished physicist, who is credited with major advances in particle physics, black-hole theory and cosmology, will discuss how the universe appears to have been ‘intelligently designed’ for our existence.

He will address how cosmologists and physicists are tracing this illusion of ‘intelligent design’ to principles that parallel those of Darwinian evolution. Just as there is a vast landscape of biological designs, he will argue, the best theories of physics imply an equally vast landscape of universe designs.

His talk will challenge us to rethink our notions about, not just the universe, but also the ‘multiverse’ we inhabit. 

Professor Susskind is Felix Bloch Professor of Theoretical Physics at Stanford University and a member of the National Academy of Sciences and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is the author of two popular science books, The Cosmic Landscape and The Black Hole War.

The lecture will take place at 6pm on Thursday 26 February in the Wills Memorial Building at the University of Bristol. Places are free but advance booking on the centenary website is essential.