Nicholson Medal Talk: Simulational Physics in a Shrinking World

Over the past few decades simulational physics has been elevated to a major new methodology of quantitative science, {\it en par} with theory and experiment. Once, only researchers in the developed world with access to powerful supercomputers were able to carry out state-of-the-art simulational studies; but with the advent of fast, low cost microprocessors, simulational research can now be performed anywhere in the world. In 1986 the Center for Simulational Physics was founded at the University of Georgia, and the subsequent introduction of an annual Workshop has brought together countless individuals from different countries in a highly interactive atmosphere. (2008 marks the 21st such Workshop.) This ongoing Workshop series has brought together countless ``students'' who have gone on to teach other students and also to interact with each other. Similar Workshop series have now been created in Brazil and in China. This talk will review other aspects of the internationalization of simulations research and instruction and will emphasize the importance of human outreach activities at all different levels.