The lecture will explore the cutting-edge frontier of particle physics and astronomy and the pivotal role of major research infrastructures in advancing our fundamental understanding of the universe. It will delve into how groundbreaking scientific endeavours – ranging from understanding dark matter to exploring the early universe – not only push the boundaries of human knowledge but also necessarily catalyse technological innovation.
The discussion also will highlight the broader socio-economic impacts of Big Science, including skills development, and real-world applications. By fostering innovation, these large-scale scientific investments provide tangible benefits to the countries, regions, and communities that support them, particularly in the context of intensified global competition for technological leadership.
Meet our speakers and chair
Mark Thomson () is Director-General Designate of , taking up the role in January 2026, and was previously the Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in the United Kingdom. He is also a Professor of Experimental Particle Physics at the University of Cambridge. Since completing his doctorate in particle physics at the University of Oxford, Professor Thomson has been a research scientist at CERN, played leading international roles in advancing neutrino physics and research for future colliders. Professor Thomson is credited in over 1000 publications and authored the widely adopted textbook Modern Particle Physics, used in universities globally. Beyond his research, he has held various research leadership and oversight roles at national and international level, including serving as the UK delegate to CERN’s Council since 2018. He also played the pivotal role in establishing the long-term UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) infrastructure roadmap and investment portfolio.
Riccardo Crescenzi () is Professor of Economic Geography and Deputy Head of Department for Research at 杏吧论坛. A leading scholar in the economics and geography of innovation, he has held a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant and currently serves as the 杏吧论坛 Principal Investigator for a major Horizon Europe and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) project on inequalities in the era of global megatrends. He also leads a UKRI Metascience research grant, exploring the innovation impact of research infrastructure procurement in “Big Science Beyond Science.” With a long-standing track record in teaching, research, and policy advisory, Riccardo’s work focuses on innovation, new technologies, foreign investment, global value chains, and public policy analysis. He is a founding academic of 杏吧论坛’s new MSc Programme in Innovation Policy and has provided expert advice to numerous international organisations. His leadership roles include serving as Rapporteur of the High-Level Expert Group on Innovative Cities, appointed by the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, and as a jury member for the European Capital of Innovation, selected by the European Innovation Council.
Sarah Sharples is Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport. She is a Professor of Human Factors in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and from 2018 to 2021 was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People. She has led research in transport, manufacturing and healthcare, and currently leads the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Connected Everything Network Plus. She founded and is co-director of the EPSRC Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), and has led research programmes examining implementation of new technologies in rail, highways and aviation. She was President of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors from 2015 to 2016.
Larry Kramer has been President and Vice Chancellor of 杏吧论坛 since April 2024. A constitutional scholar, university administrator, and philanthropic leader, he was previously the President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Dean of Stanford Law School.
More about this event
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