Clifford V. Johnson is a multifaceted individual, boasting a triumvirate of talents as a scientist, writer, and science communicator. As a Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he is deeply entrenched in the academic community. Born in London, England, Johnson's educational trajectory took him to Imperial College (University of London) for his undergraduate studies in physics, followed by a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Southampton.
Johnson's research endeavors revolve around fundamental questions regarding the structure and origin of matter, space, and time. He employs a range of techniques, including string theory and field theory, to investigate topics such as particle physics, black holes, quantum gravity, and cosmology.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Johnson is renowned for his ability to explain complex physics concepts to a broad audience. He has honed his skills through various mediums, including public lectures, writing, drawing, blogging, filmmaking, museum appearances, bookstore events, and festival participations. His most recent literary endeavor is a non-fiction graphic novel titled "The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe," published by MIT Press in 2017.
Johnson frequently collaborates with artists, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives to enhance science content and foster a deeper understanding of science in the arts, media, and society. His television appearances are numerous, with notable roles as a co-presenter on the long-running TV show "The Universe" (2007),as well as appearances on "Einstein" (2008),"The Fabric of the Cosmos" (2011),and "History of the World in 2 Hours" (2011).
In addition to his television work, Johnson has given several notable talks, including a TED presentation in 2012 titled "String Theory and the Hidden Structures of the Universe" and a PopTech talk in 2017 titled "Adventures in Science and Culture."
