Science Champions

How can the scientific community better promote equality, diversity, and accessibility? Our guest examines the forces that drive how scientific research gets published, and how these structures could better promote access and ultimately speed up scientific progress.

To think big in science, sometimes you have to think small. Nanochemistry is a scientific field that studies matter on a microscopic scale to create materials with world-changing potential. Dr. Suze Kundu explores the possibilities on this episode.

Electrical engineering takes science out of the lab and into your pocket — and your car, your home, the nearest comic book convention, and beyond. Our guest explores how engineering can improve everything from cosplay to health and fitness.

What happens when you take science out of the lab and into your home? The scientific method gets empirically delicious in our chat with Matt Hartings, chemistry professor and author of "Chemistry in Your Kitchen."

If we can predict the future, can we change it? Disaster researchers like Mika McKinnon can. Her research in geophysics helps predict natural disasters and minimize potential damage. Join us for a fascinating discussion about science, science fiction, and the next frontier of human advancement.

Do you wish you knew more about science? You're not alone. But the truth is, it's easier now than ever before to learn. Our guest shares how adults can continue learning -- and have fun doing it, too.

We often ask adults how we can make science fascinating for kids. Why not ask a kid who is already a scientist and inventor? We talk to award-winning youth scientist Gitanjali Rao about what inspires her.

What better way to explore science and technology than by building your own wondrous creations? We explore the hands-on science of maker culture with our guest, Dr. Lucy Rogers.

How can we get people past the "clickbait headline" level of scientific knowledge? And will genetic editing give us genius babies riding velociraptors? Science teacher & communicator Joanne Manaster answers the tough questions.

How can teachers meet the unique learning needs of students at multiple skill and background knowledge levels? Dr. Jeff Terry shares his thoughts.

What's the point in thinking like a scientist, even if you're not one? How does scientific thinking advance human beings as a species? We ask expert scientists and educators in this bonus highlights episode.

Children are naturally fascinated by science. How can we make it just as thrilling for adults, too? Some extremely accomplished science communicators share their thoughts in this bonus episode.

What does the future hold for scientific advancement? What's most exciting? What challenges still remain? We round up expert opinions in this special highlights episode.

How can we inspire the next generation to learn about -- even love -- science? Expert educators give their opinions on this special bonus episode.

Will humans walk on Mars in our lifetime? What is the value of human space exploration? Our guest explores how space travel challenges and inspires us.

What can Spider-man and Superman teach us about science? Learn how science and pop culture combine with our guest, The Physics of Superheroes author Jim Kakalios.

What does a scientist do all day? What skills do you need to pursue a career in science? Our expert discusses what she does - and why she loves it.

What's the point in thinking like a scientist, even if you're not one? We explore the value of scientific thinking in the corporate world with guest Rita J. King.

Easy access to affordable, sustainable energy would revolutionize human civilization. Scientists may be closer than ever to cracking the code. Our expert guest Dru Crawley explains how far we've come, what's next, and how you can help.

Can we put a price on scientific innovation? And who should be picking up the tab? We explore how science gets funded with our expert guest, Jenny Rohn of Science Is Vital.

Skepticism is a healthy part of the scientific method. But skepticism about science itself is counter-productive. How can scientists make sure they're earning the trust of the public?

Science is fascinating and fun when you're doing hands-on activities at a science museum. How can we transfer some of that joy to the classroom and the lab? Our guests explore how to make science more appealing to kids and adults.

How can scientists better leverage the media to speak to the public? Our guests explore how scientists can be more effective communicators in traditional and new media.

Are people in the US more skeptical of science than those in Japan? What role do cultural and economical factors play in how science is viewed and developed throughout the world? Our guest brings a global perspective.

The fruits of scientific advancement are all around us, from smartphones to electric toothbrushes to Roombas. But nearly half of the people we surveyed said science doesn't make much of a difference in their everyday lives. Our guests explore the major scientific innovations that shape the past and future of humanity.

Flying cars, teleportation, colonizing other planets: Science fiction has a unique idea of what the future of scientific advancement will look like. But who wants to run out of gas at 8,000 feet? Our guests discuss what the future of science will actually look like, and where we should be focusing our attention to improve humanity and protect the planet.

Over a third of adults say if science didn't exist, their lives would be about the same. Clearly, science has a public relations problem. How can we demonstrate the value of science to the public at large? Our guest shares how she helps shine a spotlight on how science affects our lives.

Science has advanced rapidly in the past decade. Has science education kept up with the changes? How can educators reach children who have the world’s knowledge — and infinite distractions — at their fingertips? Our guest Jeff Terry, Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, brings decades of experience in science education to explore these questions.

What inspires someone to choose a career in science? As we seek to ignite the passion of a new generation of scientists, it’s a crucial question to answer. Our guests discuss what started them on the path to a scientific career, and share their ideas on how we can shape the scientists of the future.  

What is the popular perception of science? Do people see how it affects their everyday lives? Are we inspiring and training the next generation of scientists? To answer these questions, 3M created the State of Science Index, a survey of over 14,000 people worldwide. In this special introductory episode, Chief Science Advocate Jayshree Seth explores key findings from the Index.