Tom McLeish is Professor of Physics and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Durham University. He studied for his first degree and PhD in polymer physics at the University of Cambridge and in 1987 became a lecturer in physics at the University of Sheffield. In 1993 he took the chair in polymer physics at the University of Leeds. He took up his current position in Durham in 2008. He has won several awards for his work on molecular rheology of polymers, including the Weissenberg Award of the European Society of Rheology (2007), the Gold Medal of the British Society of Rheology (2009) and the Bingham Award of the Society of Rheology (2010). He is also involved in science-communication with the public via regular radio, TV, and school lectures, discussing issues from the Physics of Slime to the interaction of Faith and Science. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the American Physical Society, and the Royal Society.
It is refreshing and remarkable that a distinguished scientist has written such an eloquent and wide-ranging book Sir Martin Rees The author describes his book as one scientist's search for an answer to the haunting question of Job: where can wisdom be found? It is not, he contends, to be found in popular understandings of conflict, complementarity, or segregation of the cultures of science and theology. Writing as a distinguished physical scientist and committed Christian, he injects new life into an old debate by advancing a theology of science , which gives to scientific endeavour a special significance in the larger narrative of humanity's experience of pain and hopes for the healing of a broken world. There is verve and vision in his writing, as moving as it is instructive John Hedley Brooke This unique book is for those who are tired of the usual debates over science and religion. It's an intriguing read that includes stories from the lab about the quirkiness of scientific discovery, a deep meditation on the book of Job, and reflections on the current roles of science in society. McLeish offers a thought-provoking view of the place of chaos and suffering in a universe under God's control Deborah Haarsma, President of BioLogos Tom McLeish's engaging passion for science is matched by his unique ability to help the reader locate science in a complex and enriching relationship with ancient texts and stories, contemporary culture and the big questions of human existence. David Wilkinson, Durham University Highly recommended. Church of England Newspaper