Cormac O'Raifeartaigh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | Waterford Institute of Technology |
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh is an Irish physicist. He works at Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland. He is well-known for his studies on the history of 20th-century science. One of his most famous discoveries is that Albert Einstein once tried to create a "steady-state" model of the universe. This was many years before another scientist, Fred Hoyle, explored the same idea.
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh also shares science with the public. He writes a science blog called Antimatter. He also has a monthly science column in The Irish Times newspaper. As a science ambassador for Discover Science & Engineering Ireland, he often takes part in science discussions in the Irish media.
Contents
What Does a Physicist Do?
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh is a physicist. This means he studies how the universe works. He looks at things like energy, matter, and how they interact. He first trained as a solid-state physicist. This area of physics studies how solid materials behave.
Exploring the Universe's History
One of Cormac O'Raifeartaigh's main interests is the history of science. He looks at how scientific ideas developed over time. He especially focuses on the 20th century. This period saw many big changes in our understanding of the universe.
Einstein's Hidden Idea
His most famous discovery involves Albert Einstein. Einstein is known for his theories about space and time. O'Raifeartaigh found that Einstein had once explored an idea called the "steady-state model" of the universe. This model suggests that the universe always looks the same, even as it expands. It was a surprising find because another scientist, Fred Hoyle, is usually credited with this idea much later. This discovery helps us understand Einstein's thoughts better.
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh's Journey in Science
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh has had a long and interesting path in physics. He started his studies in Ireland. Then he worked in other countries too.
His Education and Early Career
He graduated from University College Dublin in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in experimental physics. Later, in 1994, he received his PhD in solid-state physics from Trinity College Dublin. After that, he received special research grants. These were called Marie Curie Research Fellowships. He used them to study at Aarhus University in Denmark and again at Trinity College Dublin.
Where He Works Now
Today, Cormac O'Raifeartaigh teaches physics at Waterford Institute of Technology. He also visits the School of Physics at University College Dublin as a professor. He continues his research and shares his knowledge with students.
Awards and Recognitions
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh has been recognized for his work in physics. He has become a member of important scientific groups.
- In 2014, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This is a group for people who study astronomy and geophysics.
- In 2016, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. This is a leading professional body for physicists.
He is also a research associate at the School of Theoretical Physics. This is part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. He was also a research fellow at Harvard University in the United States from 2010 to 2011.
A Family of Scientists
Cormac O'Raifeartaigh comes from a family with a strong science background. He is the youngest son of the late Lochlainn O'Raifeartaigh. His father was also a famous Irish theoretical particle physicist.
