“Geniuses, Heroes, and Saints: The Nobel Prize and the Public Image of Science” with Professor Massimiano Bucchi

In a world where scientific work often feels distant and difficult to grasp, the Nobel Prize makes science visible and understandable in a unique way. It is the most recognized and prestigious award for individual scientific achievement, giving a human face to great discoveries and turning them into powerful stories. The winners could be global figures like Albert Einstein or little-known doctors working in remote towns. Some prizes went to breakthroughs later proven wrong, and many names have faded from memory. Yet, as Massimiano Bucchi shows, the Nobel Prize shaped how people saw science throughout the twentieth century—an image that continues to influence us in surprising ways today.

In his book Geniuses, Heroes, and Saints: The Nobel Prize and the Public Image of Science, Professor Bucchi tells the story of how the Nobel Prize transformed science into something more than a technical field. It became an epic human pursuit, shaped by history and shared with the public. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps, I speak with Professor Massimaino Bucchi.

Professor Massimiano Bucchi is a leading scholar in the field of science communication and Professor of Science and Technology in Society at the University of Trento. He is the former editor of Public Understanding of Science and the author of books, including Newton’s Chicken and the co-edited Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology.

We begin the conversation with the three main narratives outlined in the book that define the Nobel Prize. First, the scientist as genius—a creative visionary, a brilliant intellect, often portrayed as a solitary figure with a romantic aura. Second, the scientist as national hero—a symbol of international rivalry played out in a peaceful, rational contest. Third, the scientist as saint—a moral exemplar celebrated for humility, modesty, and complete devotion to science.

From there, we trace the history of the Nobel, its origins, and its early role in European society. We examine the first laureates, notable controversies, and famous recipients—including the story of Einstein’s long-delayed award and the “interesting” aspects of the work that finally earned him the prize.
We also explore the Nobel’s impact on public perceptions of science, the ceremonial “royal touch” that surrounds it, and how the prize might evolve in the twenty-first century. We then discuss science communication more broadly.
Overall, it has been a rich and fascinating discussion.

Complement this discussion with “Sharing Our Science: How to Write and Speak STEM” with Professor Brandon Brown and then listen to On Public Communication of Science and Technology with Professor Bruce Lewenstein

By |August 24th, 2025|History, Podcasts, Research, Social Science|
Read More

“Sharing Our Science: How to Write and Speak STEM” with Professor Brandon Brown

Sharing Our Science book reviewed on Bridging the Gaps

Science communication plays an important role in bridging the gap between researchers and the general public, fostering understanding, engagement, and appreciation for scientific explorations and advancements. In an era where science and technology shape every aspect of our lives, effective communication of research findings is more critical than ever. This is also a time where there are conflicting views about scientific work and polarizations in societies. This makes effective science communication even more important not only to ensure that scientific knowledge is accessible to all, but also to empower individuals to make informed decisions, influences policy-making, and fosters trust in the scientific community. However, effective science communication goes beyond simply disseminating information; it requires clarity, creativity, and engagement strategies tailored to diverse audiences. By employing clear language and compelling storytelling researchers can effectively communicate their findings, thereby enhancing public awareness and understanding of the profound impact that science has on society. In his recent book “Sharing Our Science: How to Write and Speak STEM” Professor Brandon Brown, a scientist-turned-writing teacher, provides a highly valuable resource for STEM practitioners aiming to effectively convey their technical work to both specialised and general audiences. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps I speak with Professor Brandon Brown; we discuss this personal, practical, and inspirational guide for scientists and technical professionals seeking to enhance their written and oral communication skills in STEM fields.

Brandon Brown is a Professor of Physics and communications specialist at the University of San Francisco. He is an excellent science communicator. He has written for publications such as Slate, Smithsonian, and Scientific American and served as Deputy Director at the Green Science Policy Institute and a Senior Writing Coach for the Strictly Speaking Group.

We begin by exploring the significance of storytelling in effective science communication, delving into diverse tools and approaches such as tension and narrative to enhance the communication of scientific concepts. We further examine the utilisation of relatable examples, including simplifying large numbers and intricate comparisons like the size of an atom relative to its nucleus, to improve clarity and facilitate comprehension. We also address the detrimental effects of disinformation on science communication, which can lead to societal polarisation and divisions. We also reflect on Professor Brandon Brown’s personal encounters, highlighting how adept communication of challenging facts can profoundly influence individuals. This has been both informative and insightful discussion.

Complement this discussion with On Public Communication of Science and Technology with Professor Bruce Lewenstein and then listen to “The Joy of Science” with Professor Jim Al-Khalili

By |February 7th, 2024|Information, Knowledge, Podcasts, Research|
Read More

On Public Communication of Science and Technology with Professor Bruce Lewenstein

From the museums of the fifteenth century, to the public lectures of Michael Faraday in the nineteenth century, and to various science fairs & festivals of the twenty-first century, public engagement of science has evolved immensely. Public engagement of science in this age of hyper connectivity is “a multidimensional and multi-directional activity”. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps I speak with professor Bruce Lewenstien, a widely-known authority on public communication of science and technology.

Bruce Lewenstein is a professor of science communication at Cornell University. He has done extensive work on how science and technology are reported to the public and how the public understands complex and sometimes contested scientific issues. He studies and documents the ways that public communication of science is fundamental to the process of producing reliable knowledge about the natural world.

We begin by discussing the “multidimensional” and “multidirectional” nature of science communication. We then focus on the evolution of science communication from the early days of science to present time. We touch upon the huge impact on the public understanding of science that few books published in the mid-twentieth century had. We discuss in detail documentaries such as “The Ascent of Man” and “Cosmos” and the emergence of the phenomenon of “celebrity scientists”. The effectiveness of science communication in the age of information overload and in the age of misinformation and disinformation is an important topic that we discuss. We then discuss the challenges faced by the process of science communication and the societal challenges that effective science communication can help us to deal with.

Complement this discussion with A Passion for Ignorance” and for Denials and Negations with Professor Renata Salecl and then listen to “Philosophy of Information” and “Ethics of Information”.

By |February 12th, 2022|History, Information, Knowledge, Podcasts, Research, Technology|
Read More