New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Herlinde Koelbl, "Fascination of Science: 60 Encounters with Pioneering Researchers of Our Time" (MIT Press, 2023)

Sep 6, 2023

Herlinde Koelbl, a photographer seeking to connect art and science, discusses her book 'Fascination of Science: 60 Encounters with Pioneering Researchers of Our Time'. She shares intimate portraits and interviews of internationally renowned scientists, showcasing their motivations, dedication, and passion. The book challenges stereotypes about scientists and emphasizes the importance of capturing their personalities. The podcast also highlights the perseverance and innovation of pioneering researchers.

28:37

Episode guests

Herlinde Koelbl

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Quick takeaways

The book 'Fascination of Science' showcases the diverse and incredible projects of contemporary scientists, helping to humanize the world of science.

Scientists share common traits in their approach to research, such as curiosity, perseverance, flexibility, and a drive to make a difference in the world.

Deep dives

Personalities and Projects: Humanizing the World of Science

The book 'Fascination of Science' showcases the diverse and incredible projects of contemporary scientists, helping to humanize the world of science. The author, Linda Cobol, highlights the importance of curiosity in scientists and their ability to convey complex research in brief presentations. The book aims to inspire both scientists and the general public, with a particular focus on providing role models for young individuals. Cobol selected 60 scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, from various fields of research worldwide, creating an international and inspiring collection.

Introduction

3min

Motivation and Research

6min

The Dedication and Passion of Scientists

3min

Capturing the Essence of Scientists

13min

Perseverance and Innovation: Insights from Pioneering Researchers

2min

An intimate collection of portraits of internationally renowned scientists and Nobel Prize winners, paired with interviews and personal stories. What makes a brilliant scientist? Who are the people behind the greatest discoveries of our time? Connecting art and science, photographer Herlinde Koelbl seeks the answers in this English translation of the German book Fascination of Science: 60 Encounters with Pioneering Researchers of Our Time (MIT Press, 2023), an indelible collection of portraits of and interviews with sixty pioneering scientists of the twenty-first century. Koelbl’s approach is intimate and accessible, and her highly personal interviews with her subjects reveal the forces (as well as the personal quirks) that motivate the scientists’ work; for example, one wakes up at 3 am because her mind is calm then, another says his best ideas come to him in the shower. These glimpses into the scientists’ lives and thinking add untold texture in this up-to-the-minute survey of the activities and progress that are currently taking place in the broad field of the natural sciences. Koelbl’s interview subjects include Nobel Prize winners Dan Shechtman, Frances Arnold, Carolyn Bertozzi, and cover scientific fields from astronomy, biochemistry, and quantum physics to stem-cell research and AI. Beautifully bringing together art, science, and the written word, Fascination of Science is an inspiring read that shows how creativity, obsession, persistence, and passion drive the pioneering researchers of our time.

Herlinde Koelbl is a German photographic artist, author, and documentary filmmaker.

Caleb Zakarin is the Assistant Editor of the New Books Network.

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