Martin Rees

Martin Rees' keynotes combine the keen curiosity of a gifted scientific mind with the deep insight of serious thinker.

As a youth, Rees attended Shrewsbury School before entering Trinity College, Cambridge, where he would earn a First Class degree in mathematics. The young scholar pursued his studies further and went on to earn his doctorate degree, also from Cambridge. Rees seems to have a particular affinity for this university, as he is currently the Master of Trinity College and a resident cosmologist and astrologist.

Rees is the author of more than 500 papers that tackle the mysteries of galaxy clustering, cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of quasars. Still, the scholar does not reserve his learning only for those in his academic orbit, as he has authored several books intended for the lay public.

In recognition of his accomplishments, a number of universities such as Oxford, Toronto and Yale, have awarded Rees with honorary degrees.

Martin Rees' keynotes address the risks and benefits of scientific advancement. He advocates for the pursuit of science as tempered by the discretion of scientists.