No. 39 • October 2014

Newsletter

Although the Fields Medal does not have the same public recognition as the Nobel Prize, they share a similar intellectual standing. It is restricted to one field — that

of mathematics. The medal is awarded to the best mathematicians who are 40 or younger, every four years.

A list of Fields Medallists and their contributions provides a bird’s eye view of the major developments in mathematics over the past 80 years. It highlights the areas in which, at various times, the greatest progress has been made.

World Scientific publishes acclaimed new book

Fields Medallists’ Lectures, 3rd Edition

The third edition of Fields Medallists’ Lectures features additional contributions from: John W. Milnor (1962), Enrico Bombieri (1974), Gerd Faltings (1986), Andrei Okounkov (2006), Terence Tao (2006), Cédric Villani (2010), Elon Lindenstrauss (2010), Ngô Båo Châu (2010), Stanislav Smirnov (2010), Manjul Bhargava (2014) and Martin Hairer (2014). At approximately 1000 pages, this new edition will be published in two volumes.

ds

ogT T (2006) Céd i

s

gs

This book is published to celebrate the Interna-tional Year of Crystall-

ography 2014, as proclaimed by the United Nations. 2014 has been chosen as the International Year of Crystallography since it was 100 years ago that the first

Nobel Prize was awarded for crystallographic observations to Max von Laue.

Just a year later, Sir William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg, father and son, won their prize for showing the possibility of determining atomic positions in crystals.

Edited by Professors Ivar Olovsson (Uppsala University,

crrysstatallllogograraphphiccNN

cc oocrysstatallllogograraphphicic

The Lives and Works of 33 Nobel Laureatesin Crystallography presented in new bookFrom a Grain of Salt to the Ribosome

Sweden), Anders Liljas (Lund University, Sweden), Sven Lidin (Lund University, Sweden), From a Grain of Salt to the Ribosome: The History of Crystallography as Seen Through the Lens of the Nobel Prize describes the lives and works of 33 Nobel Laureates, starting with Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1901) and ending with Brian Kobilka (2012). It also reproduces the most important works of these scientists. The book gives a historical perspective of a scientific field that is important for our understanding of the atomic organization of the world around us, from inorganic materials to complex biological molecules.

There is no other book with such a selection of rich material and it is a timely summary of the main developments in crystallography over the last 100 years.

edited bySir Michael Atiyah (University of Edinburgh, UK), Daniel Iagolnitzer (CEA-Saclay, France),

Chitat Chong (National University of Singapore)

Martin HairerManjul BhargavaStanislav SmirnovNgô Båo ChâuElon LindenstraussCédric VillaniTerence TaoAndrei OkounkovEnrico BombieriJohn W. Milnor Gerd Faltings

Top New TitlesW

orl

d S

cien

tifi

c N

ewsl

ette

r

2

Upcoming Book on Quantum Field Theoryby the esteemed “physicist’s physicist”

Professor Sidney Colemanedited by Bryan Gin-ge Chen (Leiden University, Netherlands), Yuan-Sen Ting (Harvard University, USA), Richard Sohn (University of Chicago, USA), David Derbes (University of Chicago, USA)

Although Professor Sidney Coleman is largely unknown outside of the theoretical physics community, and known only by reputation to the younger generation, he was an unusually effective teacher, famed for

his wit, insight and encyclopedic knowledge of the field to which he made many important contributions.

There are many first-rate quantum field theory books (the ancient Bjorken and Drell, the more modern Itzykson and Zuber, the now-standard Peskin and Schroder, and the recent Zee), but the immediacy of Prof. Coleman’s approach and his ability to present an argument simply without sacrificing rigor makes Quantum Field Theory: Lectures of Sidney Coleman easy to read and ideal for the student. Part of the motivation in producing this book is to pass on the work of this outstanding physicist to later generations, a record of his teaching that he was too busy to leave himself.

Benoit Mandelbrot: A Life in Many Dimensions is a collection of articles edited by Professors Michael Frame (Yale University, USA) and Nathan Cohen (Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc., USA). Many of these articles were written by people who worked with Professor Benoit Mandelbrot, memorializing the remarkable breadth and depth of his work in science and the arts. Contributors include mathematicians, physicists, biologists, economists, and engineers; and also artists, musicians, teachers, a historian, an architect, a filmmaker, and a comic.

Also included are articles on fractals and music by Charles Wuorinen and Harlan J. Brothers; fractals and finance by Richard Hudson and Christian Walter; fractal invisibility cloaks by Nathan Cohen; and a personal reminiscence by his wife, Aliette Mandelbrot.

While he is known most widely for his work in mathematics and finance, Prof. Mandelbrot influenced almost every field of modern intellectual activity. No other book captures the breadth of all of his accomplishments.

Remembering the “Father of Fractals” Professor Benoit Mandelbrot

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

Book Reviews

4D Visualization of Matterby Nobel Laureate Professor Ahmed H. Zewail

Time in Powers of Ten by Nobel Laureate Professor Gerard ‘t Hooft

“The somewhat facetious narrating style and the abundance of illustrations are so inviting and rather addictive once you picked up the book.”

European Mathematical Society

“Pleasingly accessible volume that will give pleasure to aca-demics, students, connoisseurs of coffee-table books and even the people who compile questions for Trivial Pursuit … Can be enjoyed as a source of scientific stories and images, as an unusual perspective on history, as a popular account of modern physics, and so on. Underneath them all is a wealth of serious science that will give readers insights into abstract fundamental ideas via concrete realities … Every science teacher would benefit from reading Time in Powers of Ten, but I hope it will have an even wider reach.”

Times Higher Education

“The authors have compiled a refreshing mix of historical anecdotes and examples from music to sport and biology to astronomy to lighten up the heavier taste of particle physics and cosmology… It is both an enjoyable read and very pleasant to browse at leisure… It fully conveys the authors’ amazement at — as Feynman put it — our fantastically marvellous universe.”

Nature Physics

“The authors introduce the reader to the diversity of nature in a novel way by describing typical and interesting phenomena that occur or have oc-curred on many different time scales. The time scales considered differ by powers of ten, as the title of the book says, from the shortest times of which we have knowledge to the longest. I am sure many readers will enjoy the book as I have.”

Edward WittenFields Medalist

“Time is an essential dimension of life. Indeed, its remarkable and awesome variation of scale shapes the natural world. This book by Gerard ‘t Hooft and Stefan Vandoren gives us an exposé of a wide range of natural phenomena and their associated time scales, spanning the very small, the very large, and the life events of our universe. The book is elegantly illustrated and should be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the fourth dimension, time, and how it shapes our lives.”

Ahmed ZewailNobel Laureate in Chemistry

y yd

t

r

h h i f hi h

“The dazzling brilliance of the technical virtuosity required to achieve ultrafast electron microscopy at the femtosecond time-scale, while also reaching near-atomic resolution, alone m a k e s t h i s m o n o g r a p h compelling reading.

Additionally, it chronicles how a vast range of biological, physical, technological and medically-significant phenomena has become accessible through the technique of 4D electron microscopy.

Much can be gleaned about the mechanisms of biochemical and other processes through structural X-ray crystallography and gas-phase mass spectroscopy. But 4D electron microscopy, with the addition of new procedures (such as

photon-induced near-field electron microscopy PINEM) to all the numerous modes of recording “static” information such as electron tomography, bright- and dark-field, as well as electron loss imaging, Kikuchi diffraction etc., opens up yet further horizons in the dynamics of condensed matter and in the fields of plasmonics and cell biology.

This monograph constitutes a uniquely powerful approach to the revelation of the cornucopia of hidden secrets of the natural world.”

Sir John Meurig Thomas, FRS, FREngProfessor of Materials Science

Former Head of Physical ChemistryFormer Master of Peterhouse

University of CambridgeFormer Director

Royal Institution of Great Britain, London

3

4

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

Book Reviews

Risk

A Study of Its Origins, History and Politics by Matthias Beck (Queen’s University, United Kingdom), Beth Kewell (University of Stavanger, Norway)

“Practitioners in the field looking to broaden their reading may find value in this study of the changing concepts and theories of risk.”

Times Higher Education

“This opportune book provides a comprehensive interpretation of ideas and concepts of risk. While global risks transcend national boundaries and fail to fit neatly within disciplinary confines, most books remain rooted in these frames; giving this work a special place. Risk: A Study of its Origins, History and Politics provides illuminating and inspirational reading which will expand readers’ horizon and further their understanding of the theoretical and practical complexities of the pervasive risk phenomenon.”

IEEE Professor Darinka AsenovaGlasgow Caledonian University, UK

Encyclopedia of Thermal Packaging

Set 1: Thermal Packaging Techniques

(A 6–Volume Set) Edited by Avram Bar-Cohen (University of Maryland, USA)

“The Encyclopedia meets head-on the challenges engineers and researchers face in this era of information abundance. By its breadth of coverage, the Encyclopedia provides a bird’s eye view of the techniques and approaches used over the entire field of electronics thermal management. By its depth of coverage, each volume provides the reader with a comprehensive guide to a specific subject area. This is undoubtedly a milestone publication that will serve the industry and the research community for many years to come.”

Dr Wataru NakayamaResearch Consultant, ThermTech International

“The volume authors are themselves noted experts in each topic. In this spirit of celebrated experts, the encyclopedia introduction is authored by Dr Wataru Nakayama … engineers and scientists performing R&D tasks involving electronics packaging and system integration, as well as engineers in industry, researchers in academia or students, should not be without this unique Encyclopedia, including the current Set 1, as well as subsequent Sets 2–4.”

IEEE CPMT Society Newsletter

Stem Cells

An Insider’s Guide by Paul Knoepfler (University of California, Davis, USA)

“This is an opinionated but extremely knowledgeable introduction to the potentials and pitfalls of research in and applications of stem cells. The science is current, accessible, and well presented, but the best aspect of the book is its focus on ethical considerations associated with stem cell research. This is a fascinating book on important scientific, medical and consumer issues.”

CHOICE

he

on

sk. ry A

chl complexities of the pervasive

5

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

Launched in August 2014, The Accidental Diplomat: The Autobiography of Maurice Baker chronicles the diplomatic postings of one of Singapore’s pioneer diplomats, Professor Maurice Baker.

Former Singapore President, Mr. S.R. Nathan, who was at the launch, said the book offers readers an insight into how a man of his education and literary skills “could blend with the common man and strive to achieve something for the common good of people.”

“I am certain that readers of Maurice Baker’s memoirs will be entertained by his many experiences during the years he spent as a diplomat in India, the Philippines and Malaysia,” Mr. Nathan added.

Singapore’s Pioneer Diplomat,Professor Maurice Baker Launches Memoirs

Book Launches

Professor of international affairs at the American University in Washington DC, Amitav Acharya launched his latest book, Indonesia Matters: Asia’s Emerging Democratic Power, at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta, Indonesia, in August 2014.

The chief editor of Jakarta Post, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat commented that Prof. Acharya’s book was “thought provoking” as it raised questions on how Indonesia mattered as a soft power and a player of democracy as well as noting the elaboration on why the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s presidency was deemed very successful in its foreign policy approach.

“It is required reading material for Indonesian foreign policy students, diplomats going into foreign service and those going to be posted to Indonesia […] as it explains and also questions, what Indonesia stands for and how issues such as human rights, democracy and maritime security could be discussed in the future,” he said.

Professor Amitav Acharya, American University, Launches Book on Indonesia’s Foreign Policy

Prof. Amitav Acharya (left) presents “Indonesia Matters: Asia’s Emerging Democratic Power” to Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Dino Patti Djalal (right).

Prof. Maurice Baker with former Singapore President, Mr. S.R. Nathan. Prof. Maurice Baker with his family.

6

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

Asia Pacific Physics Newsletter (APPN) publishes articles reporting frontier discoveries in physics, research highlights, and news to facilitate interaction, collaboration and cooperation among physicists in the Asia

Pacific physics community. It is published jointly by Institute of Advanced Studies, Nanyang Technological University and the South East Asia Theoretical Physics Association, supported by World Scientific Publishing Company.

APPN brings to readers the regional highlights, information on some of the research institutes and laboratories in India and China, the latest discoveries, research highlights and headline news in the field of physics.

The latest issue is packed with interesting content such as insights into the lives of pioneers like Professor CN Yang (Nobel Laureate for Physics, 1957), Professor Roy Glauber (Nobel Laureate for Physics, 2005) and Professor Serge Haroche (Nobel Laureate for Physics, 2012). There is also an interview with Professor Chao-Lin Kuo, a forerunner in the detection of the cosmic microwave background radiation, in the “People” section. To keep readers up-to-date, the “News” section includes the efforts of Professor Paul Chu and Professor Anthony Leggett in their venture to improve the US–Iran relations and their success in breaking through the boundaries through scientific collaboration.

“Thank you for sending me the latest issue of APPN. It is a very nice edition with numerous interesting articles and stories — well done!”

Professor Peter Fulde Director and Scientific Member

Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems

“It is a very impressive newsletter. It is lovely to see all the activities that you have in Singapore. It will be such great fun to visit.”

Professor Lars Brink Chairman of the Physics Nobel Prize Committee

“Very interesting stories and highly informative.”

Professor Ong Choon Nam Professor of the Department of Community,

Occupational and Family MedicineNational University of Singapore

“Marvellous, amazed at the very rich materials and high quality content.”

Professor Oh Choo Hiap Professor of the Department of Physics

National University of Singapore

Highlights

Outstanding Asia Pacific Physics Newsletter

t i d hi hl i f ti ”

ics Newsletter

Our Author, Professor Phillip A. Griffiths Awarded the Chern Medal for lifetime devotion to mathematics and outstanding achievements

Editor of Inspired by S S Chern: A Memorial Volume in Honor of a Great Mathematician, which was pub l i shed by Wor ld Scientific in 2006, Professor Phillip A. Griffiths was recently named the 2014 recipient of t he Che rn Meda l a t t he International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) that was held in Seoul, Korea.

Prof. Griffiths, whose work has stimulated a wide range of advances in mathematics over the past 50 years, was cited by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) — the global mathematics professional organization — for his “groundbreaking and transformative development of transcendental methods in complex geometry, particularly

his seminal work in Hodge theory and periods of algebraic varieties.”

The Chern Medal is an international award recognizing exceptional lifelong a ch i e vemen t s i n t h e f i e l d o f mathematics. The prize is awarded by the IMU and given at the ICM, which is held every 4 years. The Medal also comes with a $250,000 award and a matching award of $250,000 to be donated to the organization of the winner’s choosing.

Of the $500,000 monetary award, Prof. Griffiths has designated that half will be donated to support the African Mathematics Millennium Science Initiative, which is a distributed network of mathematics research, training and promotion throughout Africa.

7

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

Born in Indonesia, Rahul Sibal is the 5th Asian student to receive the World Scientific Scholarship. He completed his secondary school education at

Henderson Secondary School before graduating from one of Singapore’s premier junior colleges, Victoria Junior College (VJC) in 2013. Rahul scored an impressive 5As at the A-Level examinations, including a distinction in Physics at the Higher 3 level. He will be reading Chemical Engineering at the renowned Imperial College London in September 2014.

“I feel fortunate and incredibly honored to be the recipient of this year’s World Scientific Scholarship. The funds given will allow me to pursue studies in London’s prestigious Imperial College without putting too much

burden on my parents. I am also thankful as the award helps me to better juggle working part time and studying, allowing me more time to do the latter,” said the former VJC student.

The World Scientific Scholarship was founded in 2010 to provide students from Southeast Asia with the opportunity to pursue higher studies at Imperial College London. The Scholarship includes a disbursement of £5000 per annum for a period of up to four years on a performance renewable basis and is awarded to one exceptional student each year.

Highlights

For the very first time, a National Junior College (NJC), Year 6 student, Tammy Lim Ting Yi, has

clinched the coveted World Scientific Publishing Company (WSPC)–Imperial Col lege Alumni Associat ion of Singapore (ICAAS) Most Outstanding Junior College (JC) Science Student Award. She will represent Singapore at the most prestigious annual youth science event in the world — the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS). Her week-long trip to Sweden, fully sponsored by WSPC, will comprise scientific activities and lectures, visits to research institutes, as well as unique occasions to meet and engage in conversations with the Nobel laureates. The Seminar is held in conjunction with the Nobel Prize presentation ceremony in December 2014.

The WSPC–ICAAS award is presented annually to the most outstanding JC student who is academically astute and demonstrates mastery in explaining scientific results with the ability to address complex problems and issues.

Chosen from among 12 students nominated by the Ministry of Education in Singapore, Tammy’s submitted project on, “Reactions of Bis(oxy)enamines with Transition Metal Halides” won her high praise.

“Tammy’s work was as good as a NUS [National University

NJC Student to Attend theNobel Prize Presentation Ceremony 2014 in Stockholm

Fully Sponsored by WSPCof Singapore] senior student’s honors thesis level, both in quality and quantity. Her understanding of the chemical analysis technique, including 2D NMR, and her high quality of work was very impressive,” said Professor Chang Young Tae from the Department of Chemistry at NUS.

Tammy believes that her research attachments, exposure to different project environments, her Advanced Chemistry class and even being a member of the NJC Canoeing and Dragon Boating Team have instilled in her special skills that will assist her in participating effectively in the Seminar. She is looking forward to interacting with peers and experts from around the world to obtain new insights, and continue to be motivated to pursue further success.

The audience in Aula Magna during the SIYSS held in 2012.

Rahul Sibal Awarded the World Scientific Scholarship 2014 to Study in Imperial College London

8

Wo

rld

Sci

enti

fic

New

slet

ter

About Our Author

Top Eye Surgeon Professor Arthur S.M. Lim Dies, Aged 80

Widely known as the father of ophthalmology in Singapore, Professor Arthur S.M. Lim passed away on 30 August at the age of 80. He was the founding medical director of the Singapore National Eye Centre, and also helped establish the Singapore Eye Research Institute and the National University Hospital’s ophthalmology department. In April 1988, he initiated and sponsored the establishment of the International Intraocular Implant Training Centre at Tianjin, China.

Prof. Lim had published more than 10 books with World Scientific, including the bestseller, Colour Atlas of Ophthalmology 5th ed., which was read by many medical students. Minister of State for Health, Mr. Lam Pin Min remarked it was “like the ‘Bible’” for young ophthalmologists-in-training.

World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd 5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224 Tel: (65) 6466 5775 Fax: (65) 6467 7667 E-mail: wspc@wspc.com.sg URL: www.worldscientific.com

MCI (P): 133/09/2014