Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, whose scientific books and public appearances have made him an academic celebrity. He is known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes. He has also achieved success with works of popular science in which he discusses his own theories and cosmology in general.

John Preskill is the Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, and Director of the Institute for Quantum Information at Caltech. His recent research has focused primarily on quantum computation and quantum information theory. Preskill is a two-time recipient of the Associated Students of Caltech Teaching Award.

Rives is a poet by trade and a paper engineer by training.  He has appeared on multiple seasons of HBO's "Def Poetry Jam" and he was the host of Bravo TV's "Ironic Iconic America," which required him to drive around the United States with a supermodel in a red '67 Cadillac El Dorado. He realizes he gets some ridiculously sweet gigs.  Rives is the co-host of the annual TEDActive conference and his passions include wordplay, rooftops and designing pop-up books.

Kip Thorne is a theoretical physicist, best known for his prolific contributions in gravitation physics and astrophysics and for having trained a generation of prominent scientists. A longtime friend and colleague of Stephen Hawking and Carl Sagan, he was the Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech, and one of the world's leading experts on the astrophysical implications of Einstein's general theory of relativity.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

On January 14, 2011, Caltech hosted TEDxCaltech, an exciting one-day event to honor Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate, Caltech physics professor, iconoclast, visionary, and all-around "curious character." Visit TEDxCaltech.com for more details.

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