How to Design a Universe: The Science of Real and Virtual Worlds

In How to Design a Universe, acclaimed astrophysicist Catherine Heymans takes you on a humorous and mind-bending journey through the science of reality itself. From the quantum quirks of subatomic particles to the cosmic mysteries of dark matter and the secrets of the human senses, Heymans explores whether humanity could ever create a virtual universe as rich and diverse as our own – and what that means for our sense of self, free will and consciousness.

Blending personal stories, pop culture, cutting-edge technology and ground-breaking experiments, this book makes the biggest questions in science accessible and urgent. How to Design a Universe will change the way you see the world – and your place in it.

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Prof Catherine Heymans (Author)

Catherine Heymans is Astronomer Royal for Scotland, the first woman to hold the title in its 200-year history. A Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh, she is internationally recognised for her pioneering research mapping invisible dark matter and mysterious dark energy across the Universe. Catherine’s accolades include the Royal Astronomical Society’s William Herschel Medal, the Max Planck-Humboldt Research Award, and fellowships of both the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Leopoldina. All net royalties from her book, How to Design a Universe, go to the Royal Observatory Trust, supporting astronomy youth projects across Scotland.