Dava Sobel

Dava Sobel, acclaimed author of 'The Elements of Marie Curie,' explores the remarkable life of the iconic scientist. She discusses how Curie turned societal backlash into triumph, earning two Nobel Prizes. Sobel reveals Curie's wartime innovation with mobile X-ray units and her groundbreaking work on magnetism. They delve into the dual legacy of Curie's discoveries, highlighting her contributions to women's empowerment in science and challenging misconceptions about radium. It's a captivating journey into the resilience behind scientific genius.

Dava Sobel, a renowned science writer known for works like Longitude, discusses her latest book on Marie Curie with Angela Saini, an insightful science journalist. They delve into Curie's inspiring life, her Polish roots, and the 45 women who contributed to her groundbreaking research. Sobel highlights the challenges these women faced in a male-dominated field, illuminating Curie's resilience amid personal and professional tribulations. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing female contributions in science and the art of effective science communication.

Dava Sobel, author of Longitude, discusses the impact of prize challenges on innovation, focusing on the British government's tech prize in the 18th century. It explores the problem of determining longitude at sea and highlights the challenges faced by John Harrison and Ryan Holt. The chapter also explores the benefits of participating in prize competitions and the experience of sailing with Hudson River Community Sailing.