Author Archives: Jon Butterworth

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About Jon Butterworth

UCL Physics prof, works on LHC, writes (books, Cosmic Shambles and elsewhere). Citizen of England, UK, Europe & Nowhere, apparently.

From liquid argon to M theory?

Posted on 16/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

See also Chapter 2.6 of Smashing Physics. Claiming to understand the universe from first principles is all very well, but the foundations have to be built on experiment and observation. And it is slow, hard work. Even in Pisa. Continued … Continue reading →

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Is poor advice betraying UK science and engineering?

Posted on 10/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

The UK is reputedly poor at capitalising on its scientific excellence. Is this due to a lack of vision in the advice given to politicians? Crises provide opportunities, as every good manager knows. From my point of view as a … Continue reading →

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Conducting Cable

Posted on 08/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

It is depressing is how soon after arriving in Whitehall ministers seem to pick up the traditional line on science funding. Minister: Ok, so I’m a bit new to this stuff. Why do we fund science? Usual suspect 1: Erm … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Science Policy | 1 Comment

Peter Higgs, UCL and the Right Honorable William Waldegrave

Posted on 07/09/2010 by Jon Butterworth

We’re not just looking for his boson, we also gave him a fellowship and explained his mechanism to William Waldegrave. At The Guardian.

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