J P Draayer
Louisiana State University, USA
Title: Intersection of science & technology at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Biography
Biography: J P Draayer
Abstract
Exploiting symmetries to unveil simplicity within complexity remains the holy grail of nuclear physics. Frequently referenced
as ‘from quarks to the cosmos’ studies, this topic is laced with technical innovations that have proven to spawn big benefits
for mankind. The author plans to briefly discuss the scientific agenda of Jefferson Lab, along with its exemplar technologies that
highlight current and future innovation – from faster and more energy efficient computer chips to the early detection of cancer – all
driven forward by scientific discovery at this the newest of the DOE’s labs, a lab that was purposed to explore and expose the very
nature of the strong and weak interactions, which dominate physical matter at the extremes of the universe. The author will also
comment on the rapidly changing nature of science, as it plays a growing role in shaping our future – things that used to be framed
as science for the sake of science, now emerging as the underpinning of significant technologies that can directly impact the world
order. From very sophisticated hockey-puck-sized communications satellites to quantum computing, it seems we are knocking on
the door a different brave new world. Nevertheless, exposing simplicity within complexity and exploiting it remains key!