Connecting the Cube to some of these fields requires little explanation, since the remarkable simplicity of the Cube combines with its combinatorial complexity, and the Cube has been a stimulus to generations of children globally tothink about science, design, and technology. Connecting the Cube to autism is a novel idea. People with autism are often drawn to patterns – however simple or complex – and the Cube may hold a particular fascination for them, and reveal their talent at ‘systemizing’.
Chairing this discussion will be Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. He said, “This year is the 40th anniversary of the invention of the iconic Rubik’s Cube. It is a great honour to be chairing this remarkable interdisciplinary panel at the only event in the UK to celebrate the potential of the Cube to inspire. ”
Confirmed panellists include:
- Professor Erno Rubik, architect and inventor of the Rubik’s Cube
- Professor Sir Timothy Gowers, Field Medal winner and Royal Society Research Professor at the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Cambridge
- Derek Paravicini, musical prodigy with autism (who will perform)
- Adam Ockelford, Professor of Music and Director of the Applied Music Research Centre, University of Roehampton
- Jon Adams, Visual and sound artist with Asperger Syndrome
- Jon Adlam, Cambridge psychology undergraduate and number 5 ranked speedcuber in New Zealand
The event is on Wednesday 18th June 2014 from 2pm – 3.30pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. Guests are advised to arrive early as there are no pre-booked seats. To register your interest contact Sam Van Niekerk on sam@autismresearchtrust.org
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.
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For further information please contact Sam Van Niekerk on sam@autismresearchtrust.org
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