"People are core to my optimism. I work with highly intelligent and high performing, creative people. My optimism comes from understanding them and their aspirations for a better world – in my case, through science."
That's what Steven Langford told me when I asked him what makes him optimistic.
Professor Steven Langford is Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. He is a Member of the National Committee for Chemistry in The Australian Academy of Science.
I asked Steven what makes him optimistic.
Steven Langford: "People are core to my optimism. I work with highly intelligent and high performing, creative people. My optimism comes from understanding them and their aspirations for a better world – in my case, through science. Then extrapolating this to the work we do with younger generations, where passion and exploration of the world around them seamlessly combine with a need to understand Nature’s laws and human discovery means we are fundamentally in a great place."
Victor Perton: "Who have been the positive leaders who have inspired you?"
Steven Langford: "Clear, articulate communicators, such as Barak Obama, are an easy answer to this question. Moreover, I have had some great bosses and colleagues, including Nobel Prize winners and Vice Chancellors, who are nothing short of inspiring with their dedication, focus and desire to make a difference. They lead people, ideas and the whole of discipline direction – but most in a personable way that connects."