Planets, Plagues, and the Power of Science with Professors Brian Schmidt and Peter Doherty

Jun 8, 2024

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Lecture Notes: Planets, Plagues, and the Power of Science

Speaker: Mr. Schubert, CEO of Science and Technology Australia

  • Introduction: Acknowledgment and Respect
    • Honoring the long tradition of stewardship and knowledge of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples.

Event Context

  • Title: "Planets, Plagues, and the Power of Science"
  • Participants: Nobel Laureates Professor Brian Schmidt and Professor Peter Doherty.
  • Milestones: 10th Anniversary of Brian Schmidt's Nobel Prize, 75th Anniversary of Australian National University (ANU).

Key Themes and Discussions

The Power of Science

  • Predictions and Global Challenges: Science enables humanity to predict and understand phenomena.
  • Applications: Handling crises such as COVID-19, climate change, and antibiotic resistance.

Public Trust in Science

  • Necessity: Effective implementation of scientific knowledge requires public trust.
  • Challenges: Hostility and misunderstandings in public discourse, especially on platforms like Twitter.

Brian Schmidt’s Contributions

  • Background: Nobel Prize in 2011 for discovering the accelerating expansion of the universe.
  • Current Role: Vice-Chancellor of ANU, member of various scientific councils and media commentator.

Peter Doherty’s Contributions

  • Background: Nobel Prize in 1996; work on immune system's T cells and how they recognize virus-infected cells.
  • Public Figure: Known for public communication and presence on social media.

Science Communication and Public Engagement

  • Impact of Platforms: Use of Twitter for real-time public engagement and science communication.
  • Diverse Audiences: Engaging with people who hold various beliefs about science.

Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Learnings: The critical role of modern immunology and public health measures in combatting the virus.
    • Role of vaccines, mask-wearing, ventilation, and rapid testing.
  • Risk Mitigation: Importance of probabilistic thinking in managing personal and institutional risk.

Climate Change and Sustainability

  • Urgency: The need for action on sustainability and renewable energy as essential for future prosperity.
  • Leadership: Argument that Australia should lead due to its abundant renewable resources.
  • Global Impact: The potential societal collapse and security issues linked to climate change.

Education and the Long-term Future

  • Investment: Importance of investing in education and research for future scientific breakthroughs and national prosperity.
  • Opportunities: Emphasis on providing high-quality education to young minds to ensure a sustainable and innovative future.

Personal Experiences with Nobel Prize

  • Brian Schmidt: Shared personal story about receiving the Nobel Prize call and the practical joke by his student.
  • Peter Doherty: Recounted his Nobel Prize and subsequent designation as Australian of the Year.

Conclusion

  • Science and Society: Both speakers emphasized the essential role of science in tackling long-term challenges and maintaining national and global well-being.
  • Future Goals: Continued advocacy for science funding, public engagement, and education.

Final Thoughts

  • Ongoing Celebrations: Encouragement to participate in ANU's 75th-anniversary events.