John Gribbin earned his doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge in 1971, following earlier studies at the University of Sussex. A British scientist and prolific author, he spent his career translating complex concepts in quantum physics, cosmology, and human evolution into accessible texts, cementing his status as a key figure in the popular science publishing landscape.
Early Career and Pulsars
Born in 1946 in Maidstone, Gribbin completed his undergraduate physics degree in 1966 and a Master of Science in astronomy in 1967 at the University of Sussex. By 1968, he worked as a research student under Fred Hoyle at the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. During this period, he began writing for New Scientist, reporting on the institute's research and the ongoing discovery of pulsars.
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In 1974, Gribbin and Stephen Plagemann authored The Jupiter Effect, which posited that a planetary alignment in 1982 would trigger catastrophic earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault. Gribbin later distanced himself from these predictions in a 1980 issue of New Scientist, admitting he had been overly confident. Although he briefly defended the theory following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, he ultimately repudiated the work in 1999.
Popular Science and Literary Recognition
His 1984 book, In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, proved instrumental in the popularization of quantum physics. Its success attracted readers beyond the scientific community, including authors such as Margaret Atwood. Throughout his career, Gribbin maintained a rigorous publishing schedule, producing works on subjects ranging from Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein to the life of Buddy Holly. In 1999, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and later received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Association of British Science Writers in 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Maidstone
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Doctorate: Astrophysics, University of Cambridge (1971)
- Notable Work: In Search of Schrödinger's Cat
- Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (1999)
- Association: University of Sussex (visiting fellow)
Questions readers ask
What is John Gribbin's academic background?
He earned his bachelor's degree in physics and master's degree in astronomy from the University of Sussex, followed by a PhD in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge.
Did John Gribbin write about topics other than physics?
Yes, his bibliography includes works on human evolution, climate change, cosmology, and biographies of historical figures such as Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein.
