So long as the Universe had a beginning, we could suppose it had a creator. But if the Universe is really completely self-contained, it would have neither beginning or end, it would simply be. What place then for a creator?

People think I'm a Simpsons character.

I think the universe was spontaneously created out of nothing, according to the laws of science. It has no beginning and no end.

My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.

I enjoy all forms of music - pop, classical and opera.

I want my books sold on airport bookstalls.

But a machine that was powerful enough to accelerate particles to the grand unification energy would have to be as big as the Solar System - and would be unlikely to be funded in the present economic climate.