The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) joins hands with the Swiss Consulate, swissnex China, the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Education Bureau to launch the “Einstein in Hong Kong” program to offer to the people of Hong Kong a series of scientific and artistic events centered on the legendary Albert Einstein – one of the greatest scientists in the twentieth century. Prof Einstein had visited Hong Kong twice in his life – in 1922 just before he received the Nobel Prize in Physics, and also in the following year. There will be an exhibition, an academic conference, public lectures, music workshops and concerts, day camps for secondary students, and a writing workshop and competition, to be held over a five-month period from April to August this year.
A kick-off ceremony was held today at the HKUST, officiated by Consul General of Switzerland Mrs Rita Hmmerli-Weschke, HKUST President Tony F Chan, swissnex China Director Dr Flavia Schlegel, Hong Kong Science Museum Curator of Exhibit Ms Karen Sit, and Principal Assistant Secretary for Curriculum Development of the Education Bureau Dr Cheung Kwok-wah.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) Exhibition
The exhibition “Albert Einstein (1879-1955)” was originated from the Historical Museum of Bern in Switzerland in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of the Theory of Relativity and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland. This exhibition, showcasing over 200 objects and documents about Einstein’s life and revolutionary theories, will be staged at the Hong Kong Science Museum throughout the April to August period this year, during which a series of six public lectures featuring Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1991 Prof Richard Ernst and other distinguished scholars will be held.
Date: 18 April to 31 August 2011
Venue: Special Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Science Museum
Cosmology since Einstein
The Institute for Advanced Study at HKUST will host the “Cosmology since Einstein” conference with 24 distinguished cosmologists and relativists from six countries worldwide sharing their views on the new frontiers in cosmology.
Date: 30 May to 1 June 2011
Venue: Mr and Mrs Lee Siu Lun Lecture Theater (LT-K), HKUST
Intimacy of Creativity
On the artistic front, the HKUST School of Humanities and Social Science will conduct music composition workshops and stage concerts on the theme of “arts and science” under the stewardship of YK Pao Distinguished Visiting Professor Bright Sheng, an internationally acclaimed composer, pianist and conductor. Entitled “The Intimacy of Creativity – the Bright Sheng Partnership: Composers Meet Performers in Hong Kong”, this innovative endeavor will bring in a host of composers and musicians.
Date: 25 April to 8 May 2011
Venues:
(1) Tsang Shiu Tim Art Hall, HKUST
(2) Concert Hall, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Einstein@HKUST
The HKUST School of Science will stage an array of games, a book exhibition and two public talks about the scientific contributions of Einstein for the society as well as his life values and principles to enable students, teachers and members of the public to learn about Einstein beyond the realm of science. Invited speakers include renowned actor, director, writer and producer Mr Cheung Kin Ting, Chair Professor of Physics Prof Che Ting Chan and Professor of Physics of University of Wisconsin-Madison and Fellow of the HKUST Institute for Advanced Study Prof Gary Shiu.
To add a gastronomic dimension to the exploration of Einstein’s affections, a dinner serving Einstein’s favorite dishes will be held on HKUST campus where Einstein’s diet will be introduced.
The School of Science will also hold science and mathematics day camps for local students.
Date: 7 May 2011
Venue: HKUST
Letters to Einstein
The HKUST School of Science will collaborate with the Education Bureau in organizing a writing competition entitled “Letters to Einstein”, to encourage students to reflect on what they can learn from Einstein.
Date: 7 May 2011
Venue: HKUST
Einstein in Love
Dennis Overbye, author of Einstein in Love: A Scientific Romance and renowned science correspondent for the New York Times, will talk about Einstein’s youth and romantic life and how they shape his influential discoveries. The talk will also feature Dr Li Siu-leung, Associate Professor and Director of Master of Cultural Studies Program at Lingnan University, who will discuss Einstein as an iconic figure.
Date: 20 April 2011
Venue: HKUST
About Einstein’s Relationship with Hong Kong
In 1922, Prof and Mrs Einstein boarded the Japanese steamer, Kitano Maru, and arrived in Hong Kong on 9 November, en route to Japan, during which he visited the Peak and the Repulse Bay Hotel. Prof Einstein noted that “the scenery [of Hong Kong] reminded him very much of Switzerland”. It was between the stop-offs between Hong Kong and Shanghai that Prof Einstein received the good news that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 by radio telegraph.
In returning to Europe from Japan, Prof Einstein paid his second visit to Hong Kong on 5 January 1923 and attended a welcome reception at the Jewish Community Centre, then known as the Jewish Recreation Club.
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Ross Lai
Tel: 2358 6306 / 9103 2928
Email: rosslai@ust.hk
Kit Yip
Tel: 2358 6313
Email: kityip@ust.hk
For program enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Michelle Lee
Tel: 2358 8474
Email: michellelee@ust.hk
