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Graham Farmelo

グラハム・ファーメロ

Graham Farmelo

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1953-05-18 （London, England, UK）
Nationality
British
Languages
English
Residence History
London

Career

Occupations
biographer, science writer, theoretical physicist (research background), adjunct/visiting professor, science communicator
Active Years
1974-
Affiliations
Fellow, Churchill College (University of Cambridge), Adjunct Professor of Physics, Northeastern University (Boston), Senior executive, Science Museum, London (1990–2003), Lecturer, The Open University (until 1990), Fellow of the Institute of Physics
Memberships
Institute of Physics, British Science Association (Honorary Fellow)

Education

University of Liverpool
Faculty of Science / Mathematical Physics
Degree: BSc
Period: 1970-1974
Year of Graduation: 1974
Country: United Kingdom
BSc in mathematical physics
University of Liverpool
Faculty of Science / Theoretical Particle Physics
Degree: PhD
Period: 1974-1977
Year of Graduation: 1977
Country: United Kingdom
PhD in theoretical particle physics

Awards

Costa Prize (Biography)
2009
Work: The Strangest Man (biography of Paul Dirac)
Category: 伝記
Organization: Costa Book Awards
Result: 受賞
Los Angeles Times Science and Technology Book Prize
2009
Work: The Strangest Man
Organization: Los Angeles Times
Result: 受賞
Physics World Book of the Year (selection)
2009
Work: The Strangest Man
Organization: Physics World
Result: 選定
Kelvin Medal and Prize
2012
Organization: Institute of Physics
Result: 受賞
Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association
2011
Organization: British Science Association
Result: 任命

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac

2009 biography / history of science

A biography of theoretical physicist Paul Dirac that examines his life, character and scientific contributions. The book explores Dirac's reserved personality and devotion to mathematical beauty, and situates his discoveries within historical and scientific contexts.

theoretical physicsbiographymathematical beauty

The Universe Speaks in Numbers

2019 science nonfiction

Explores the relationship between mathematics and the laws of physics, arguing for the role of mathematical intuition in the development of physics. The book surveys historical examples from classical periods to modern theoretical physics.

math-physics relationshipphilosophy of sciencehistory of theoretical physics

It Must Be Beautiful: Great Equations of Modern Science (editor)

2002 edited collection / science essays

An edited collection of essays on key equations of modern science, bringing together contributions from scientists and writers.

history of sciencebeauty of equations

Churchill's Bomb: A Hidden History of Science, War and Politics

2013 history of science / political history

Examines Winston Churchill's involvement in British nuclear research during 1939–53, analysing tensions between scientific opportunity and political decision-making.

history of nuclear researchscience and politics

Bibliography

  • The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac
  • The Universe Speaks in Numbers
  • It Must Be Beautiful: Great Equations of Modern Science (editor)
  • Churchill's Bomb: A Hidden History of Science, War and Politics

Style & Themes

Literary Style
clear, explanatory proseblends historical context with technical explanationcombines scholarly rigor with accessibility for general readers
Recurring Motifs
mathematical beautyportraits of scientistsrelationship between science and society

Legacy

Has had broad influence in history of science and science communication. Known for his biography of Paul Dirac and writings on the relationship between mathematics and physics, and for contributions to museum practice and public engagement with science.

Academic Societies

  • Institute of Physics
  • British Science Association

Trivia

  • Worked as a senior executive at the Science Museum, London (1990–2003) and was involved in planning the Dana Centre.
  • Often used actors in talks to portray historical scientific figures (e.g. Leó Szilárd, Michael Faraday, Paul Dirac).
  • The Strangest Man won multiple awards in 2009, including the Costa Prize for Biography.