Clifford V. Johnson

A Bit about Me

Clifford V. Johnson is a professor in the Physics Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he holds the North Hall II Chair. His research is on aspects of theoretical high energy physics, trying to understand how Nature works at the most basic level. HIs primary topics of interest have been quantum gravity, black holes, quantum field theory, and string theory, often with a focus on methods for extracting non-perturbative physics. Random matrix models, fundamental strings, D-branes, and other dynamical extended objects have played a prominent role in his research.

Johnson is also involved in many aspects of public engagement where he strives to put science back into the general culture. He helps artists, writers, and filmmakers incorporate science into their work, and contributes to many TV documentaries such as Nova and The Universe. He has been science advisor for many shows and movies, including Nat Geo's Genius (featuring Einstein), Marvel's Agent Carter (S2), Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Paper Girls, Palm Springs, and more. He was science advisor for Blake Crouch's bestselling Sci-Fi/Thriller novel Dark Matter, and also the show based on it, on Apple TV+. Johnson is also the author/illustrator of a non-fiction graphic novel featuring science called The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe (MIT Press).

Johnson’s work has been recognized with a National Science Foundation CAREER award, the Maxwell medal and prize (Institute of Physics, UK), a Simons Foundation fellowship, the Klopsteg award (American Association for the Advancement of Science), the Andrew Gemant award (American Institute of Physics), and he became a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2021.