Simon Singh

Simon Singh at the Merseyside Skeptics Society (cropped)

Simon Singh is a British author, journalist, and TV producer specializing in science and mathematics. Born in Somerset, England, in 1964, Singh grew up in a family of Punjabi Indian descent. He initially pursued a career in physics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Imperial College London and a Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Cambridge. However, his career path took a significant turn when he joined the BBC and became a producer for the science and technology program Tomorrow's World.

Singh's work is well-regarded for its ability to make complex scientific and mathematical concepts accessible to the general public. He has written several bestselling books, including Fermat's Last Theorem, which tells the story of the solving of one of mathematics' most enduring puzzles; The Code Book, a history of codes and codebreaking; Big Bang, which explains the origins and science behind the Big Bang theory; and Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial, co-authored with Edzard Ernst, which critically examines the evidence for and against alternative medicine.

In addition to his writing, Singh has produced documentaries and radio programs for the BBC. His documentary about Fermat's Last Theorem won a BAFTA award in 1997. Singh is also known for his advocacy of science education and critical thinking. He has been involved in legal battles concerning libel laws in the UK, particularly in relation to a case brought against him by the British Chiropractic Association. This case became a rallying point for the campaign to reform English libel laws, which was successful with the introduction of the Defamation Act 2013.

Singh's contributions to public understanding of science have been recognized with several awards, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to science, technology, and engineering in education and science communication.

Early Life and Education

Simon Singh was born in Somerset, England, in 1964. He attended Wellington School and went on to study physics at Imperial College London, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. His interest in particle physics led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, where he conducted research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Singh joined the BBC as a producer for Tomorrow's World, a popular science and technology program. His work in television expanded to include producing and directing documentaries, notably the acclaimed documentary on Fermat's Last Theorem.

Singh's transition into writing allowed him to reach a broader audience. His books have been translated into over twenty languages, and he has become a prominent figure in the promotion of science and critical thinking. Singh has also written for major publications, including The Guardian and The New York Times.

Legal Battle and Libel Reform

Singh's criticism of chiropractic treatments in a 2008 article for The Guardian led to a libel lawsuit by the British Chiropractic Association. The case highlighted the chilling effect of English libel laws on scientific debate and free speech. Singh's eventual victory in 2010 was seen as a landmark case for science journalism and led to significant libel reform in the UK.

Awards and Recognition

Simon Singh has received numerous awards for his work, including an MBE for his services to science communication. He has also been awarded honorary degrees from several universities in recognition of his contributions to science education and public understanding of science.

Bibliography

• Fermat's Last Theorem (1997)
• The Code Book (1999)
• Big Bang (2004)
• Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial (2008, co-authored with Edzard Ernst)

See Also

• Fermat's Last Theorem
• Big Bang
• Alternative Medicine
• Science Communication