Margaret Wertheim

Margaret Wertheim, born on August 20, 1958, is an Australian-born science writer, curator, and artist based in the United States. She is renowned for her work at the intersection of art, science, and mathematics, particularly through her role as co-founder and director of the Institute For Figuring (IFF), which she established in 2003 with her twin sister, Christine Wertheim. The IFF is a non-profit organization located in Los Angeles that promotes the aesthetic and poetic dimensions of science and mathematics through various projects and exhibitions.12

Academic and Professional Background

Wertheim has authored several influential books that explore the cultural history of physics and the relationship between science and society. Notable titles include Pythagoras' Trousers, which discusses the interplay between physics and religion, The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace, a historical account of space concepts from Dante to the Internet, and Physics on the Fringe, which examines outsider science.12 Her writings have appeared in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Guardian, and Aeon.

Major Projects

One of her most significant contributions is the Crochet Coral Reef project, which combines art and environmental awareness by using crochet to represent coral reefs and raise awareness about climate change. This project has gained international acclaim and has been exhibited at major venues including the Venice Biennale and the Smithsonian Institution.13 The project emphasizes community involvement, with thousands of contributors from around the world participating in its creation.

Awards and Recognition

Wertheim has received several awards for her contributions to science communication, including the Scientia Medal for her efforts in promoting scientific literacy and understanding through art. She has also been recognized with the Klopsteg Memorial Award for communicating the excitement of physics.24 Her TED Talk on the Crochet Coral Reef has garnered over 1.6 million views, showcasing her ability to engage a broad audience with complex scientific ideas.2

Current Work

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Margaret Wertheim continues to write extensively about science and its cultural implications. She maintains a blog titled Science Goddess on Substack, where she explores various topics related to science and mathematics.2 Through her work at IFF and her writing, Wertheim aims to illuminate both the conceptual beauty of scientific ideas and their societal relevance.24