Florian Zimmermann

Joe Schwarcz, a chemistry professor at McGill University, delves into the Vitamin C controversy stemming from Linus Pauling's unfounded health claims. His story reveals how a revered scientist can influence public perception despite lacking solid evidence. Florian Zimmermann, an economics professor at the University of Bonn, discusses correlation neglect, illustrating how multiple recommendations from a single source can skew our understanding. Both guests highlight the importance of critically evaluating information sources in a world swamped with repetitive messages.

Florian Zimmermann, a Professor at the BRIC Institute and the University of Bonn, specializes in associative memory and belief formation. In this discussion, he reveals how economic incentives can distort information gathering and belief systems. They explore a groundbreaking study involving participants who ingested insects for money, highlighting ethical considerations in experiments. The conversation also covers the collaborative nature of research design, the significance of associative memory in shaping beliefs, and the passion driving early career researchers.