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Peter Goddard (physicist) facts for kids

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Peter Goddard
Peter Goddard in 2010 (cropped).JPG
Goddard in 2010
Born (1945-09-03) 3 September 1945 (age 79)
Nationality British
Education Emanuel School and the University of Cambridge
Occupation Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ
Known for GKO construction
Awards Mayhew Prize (1967)

Peter Goddard CBE FRS is a British mathematical physicist. He was born on 3 September 1945. He is known for his work in string theory and conformal field theory. These are advanced areas of physics and math. One of his important discoveries is the Goddard–Thorn theorem. He proved this theorem with Charles Thorn.

Who is Peter Goddard?

Peter Goddard is a scientist who studies how the universe works. He uses advanced mathematics to understand tiny particles and forces. He is a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. This is a famous place where top scientists do research.

Early Life and Education

Peter Goddard went to Emanuel School when he was younger. Later, he studied at the University of Cambridge. This is a very old and respected university in England. He became a professor there in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). This department focuses on math and physics.

Leadership Roles

Goddard also helped start the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences. He was its first deputy director. This institute brings together mathematicians from all over the world. They work on new ideas and solve hard problems.

From 1994 to 2004, he was the Master of St John's College. This is one of the colleges at Cambridge University. Being a Master means he was the head of the college.

After that, he moved to the United States. He became the Director of the Institute for Advanced Study. He led this institute from 2004 to 2012. Many famous scientists, like Albert Einstein, have worked there. Today, he is still a professor in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute.

Awards and Recognition

Peter Goddard has received many important awards for his work.

  • In 1989, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of top scientists in the United Kingdom.
  • In 1997, he received the Dirac Medal. This award is given to scientists who have done great work in theoretical physics. It is named after a famous physicist, Paul Dirac.
  • In 2002, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a special honor given by the British Queen or King. It recognizes people who have made a big difference in their field.

Peter Goddard's work has helped us understand more about the universe. He continues to inspire new scientists with his research.

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