Physics is the stuff of stories

Thursday 24 November 2005

Studying in the complex area of Physics is not enough for one student at the University of Newcastle. He takes the principles, writes short stories about them and encourages others to do so as well.

Daniel Cotton, a research student in the University's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, organized a national competition, the 2005 Science Fiction Short Story Competition 'Physics: the next 100 years and beyond'. He timed the competition to coincide with the International Year of Physics, celebrating 100 years since the release of Einstein's groundbreaking papers.

His enterprise attracted quite a lot of interest, resulting in many submissions from enthusiastic entrants from around Australia, all in the sci-fi genre.

Daniel says he decided to run the competition because he is passionate about sci-fi and its ability to get the general public thinking about science. "The short story is the perfect medium for expressing an idea. This writing is very interesting as quite complex concepts are explored, but presented within the theme of a story," Daniel says.

"Science plays an important role in shaping our future as a society, and yet research science is becoming increasingly difficult for non-scientists to grasp. As writers in this genre we have an increasingly important role to play in bringing science into the minds of our fellows. It is through Science Fiction that most people can gaze at the beauty that science uncovers, marvel at what technology might bring and consider implications, positive and negative - and form judgments.

"Because of the high quality of the entries and the interest, we are thinking about running the competition again next year," he says.

Finalists have been decided and the winners will be announced at the end of year "Science Ball/Dinner to be held in Newcastle's View Factory this Friday, 25th November.

The dinner will be a good chance for staff and students from the University to relax and recognize achievements throughout 2005. The after dinner speaker will be Dr Mark Butler, from Gosford High School, who in 2004 was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for the Best Secondary School Science Teacher in Australia.

Daniel Cotton is available for interview by telephoning 4921 5567.

Media comment is also available by contacting Professor John O'Connor, Head, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences by telephoning 4921 5439.