1) How did you choose your profession?
Once I knew what a scientist was, I wanted to be one. I envisaged something like a research chemist making a new kind of plastic. Then at 11, I learned from an exchange teacher from California, Mr. Nathan Eisen, what physics was, and I immediately wanted to do that. I can’t remember when I settled on “theoretical,” but it must have been very soon afterwards.

2) How do you convey passion for a subject?
I only speak about it to people who want to hear.

3) What are the key elements of a good education system?
Freedom. And assistance. Preferably from people interested in the subject, but that’s no longer so essential given that we have the internet.

4) How do you deliver criticism to improve someone’s work?
If they ask, just tell them my opinion.

5) How would you describe the ideal relationship between student and teacher/mentor?
Equal.

6) How do you keep the love for learning alive throughout one’s life?
Avoid unpleasant things.

7) If you had to deliver a series of lectures to a class of aliens (perfectly capable of learning, but with no knowledge of our world), what topic would you choose?
I see what you did there! Well, the aliens are presumably full of curiosity about Earth. Find out what they’re curious about and provide it. Including providing transport if necessary. And protection from passing lions on the safari. If you think they would be curious about a thing that they don’t seem to know about, tell them about it.