Professor A. B. Balantekin, Editor-in-Chief, J. Phys. G

Professor A. B. Balantekin, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics

Eugene P. Wigner Professor of Physics, Physics Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Affiliate Professor, Physics Department, University of Washington, Seattle, USA

Q: Why did you decide to become a physicist?

A: I actually did not decide to be a physicist until I was in college. My high school physics classes were very boring, they talked about inclined planes and how to connect light bulbs. In the chemistry classes at the high school, however, we learned about atoms, molecules and 'quantum' stuff. So I went to the University thinking I will be a chemical engineer. Sometime during my sophomore year I was complaining to my optics instructor that I needed to memorize a lot of things for Organic Chemistry. He suggested that I consider studying physics instead. I thought about it for three minutes and decided that he was right. So I started studying physics as a junior.

Q: As Editor-in-Chief, what are your main aims for Journal of Physics G?

A: I think that Journal of Physics G is a rather unique journal with a lot of potential. Since it covers both nuclear and particle physics it is natural to shoot for the overlap areas with an interdisciplinary flavor. The journal is very prominent in covering the area of quark matter. I would like to see an increase in the coverage of neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries as well. I also would like to see the journal become a more attractive publishing venue for British authors. My goal is to make it the premier European journal of nuclear physics and particle physics phenomenology.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: I am reading a book by the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk called 'My Name is Red'.

Q: Who do you admire the most (past or present)?

A: Richard Feynman. Not only was he a great scientist, but he also brought his enthusiasm for physics to the general public.

Q: If you could have any career other than your chosen profession, what would you choose?

A: It is hard to think of something else. I like cooking, so maybe a chef.

Q: What do you think will be the next significant breakthrough in science?

A: It is very hard to guess. A few years back we all thought that neutrino mixing is very small and will take a very long time to uncover. Well, we were wrong! I think the next significant breakthrough in the physical sciences will come from astrophysics and/or cosmology.

Q: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, past or present, who would they be?

A: Just three? Well I did have dinner with Feynman and it was a lot of fun. I probably would pick Galileo Galilei, Bertrand Russell, and Japanese Meiji era novelist Natsume Soseki (of 'I am a Cat'). Then what about Frida Kahlo? Maybe Fermi. Noether, and Descartes too.

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