Einstein conference celebrates 20th-century genius

One hundred years ago, 26-year-old physicist Albert Einstein rocked the science world.

He developed the special theory of relativity, demonstrating that measurements of time and distance vary systematically as anything moves relative to anything else.

He came up with the quantum theory of light—the idea that light exists as tiny packets or particles, which are now known as photons. And he developed an extension of his special theory—that energy and matter are linked—in that now famous equation, E=mc2.

UVic and Camosun College are celebrating the centenary of this astonishing burst of creativity with a conference, "The Unknown Einstein: Reassessing the 20th Century's Most Famous Scientist," on March 18-19.

On March 18, UVic school of music faculty member Ann Elliott-Goldschmid, a member of the Lafayette String Quartet, will perform some of Einstein's favourite violin music prior to a presentation by Fred Jerome on "Einstein on Race and Racism."

Jerome is author of The Einstein File: J. Edgar Hoover's Secret War Against the World's Most Famous Scientist and co-author of the forthcoming book, Einstein on Race and Racism. The performance and presentation begin at 7 p.m. in the Young Building, room 216 at Camosun's Lansdowne campus.

On March 19, a conference takes place in Clearihue A127 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. UVic physics and astronomy faculty member Dr. Fred Cooperstock opens the conference with "Einstein's Vision: 100 Years of Relativity." From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., UVic and visiting faculty members will discuss various aspects of Einstein's life and at 1:30 p.m. Jerome will make a second presentation, "What the Einstein File Means for Today."

All events are free and open to the public. For more information contact Dr. Larry Hannant at 380-0462 or lhannant@uvic.ca.