Dean Rickles

Dean Rickles is a Professor of History and Philosophy of Modern Physics at the University of Sydney, co-director of the Centre for Time, and holds academic affiliations within the Faculty of Science's History and Philosophy of Science department. He earned his PhD from the University of Leeds (2004) under Steven French, focusing on quantum gravity conceptual issues. His research explores philosophy of physics, quantum gravity, time's nature, and science's historical development. Notable works include Covered with Deep Mist: The Development of Quantum Gravity (2020) and What is Philosophy of Science? (2020). Awards include ARC Australian Research Fellowship (2008) and ARC Future Fellowship (2014–2018). His publications span books, edited volumes, and journal articles addressing foundational physics questions, interdisciplinary philosophy-science intersections, and historical analyses of scientific communities. Current research includes grants on quantum gravity's existential arguments and temporal foundations. Media engagements include PBS's Closer to Truth and The Conversation articles on physics and societal topics.