Episode 40: Global Science

In the past few years, we've noticed researchers making more explicit efforts to engage with scientists in other countries, particularly those where science isn't well-represented. Inspired by these efforts, we took a historical dive into the international element of science with special guest Alex Antrobus. How have scientists viewed and communicated with their peers in other countries over time? To what extent do nationalist politics influence science and vice versa? How did the euro-centric view of science arise? In tackling these issues, we start in the 1700s and work our way up to the present, covering the "Republic of Letters," the Olympic model of scientific nationalism, communism, and decolonization. We end by discussing the ethical pros and cons of mentoring and building academic "outposts" in other countries. Throughout, we talk about the benefits of open science, the King of Spain's beard, and how Grace doesn't do sports. 

We read:
A History of Universalism: Conceptions of the Internationality of Science from the Enlightenment to the Cold War
The Global Turn in the History of Science
The Development of Global Science

And mentioned:
IBRO-Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo
Deep Learning Indaba

To listen to (or download) this episode, (right) click here

As always, our jazzy theme music "Quirky Dog" is courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) 

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0