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Nigel Goldenfeld

Chancellor's Distinguished Professor in Physics at UC San Diego, known for his contributions to the study of phase transitions and complex systems.

Top 3 podcasts with Nigel Goldenfeld

Ranked by the Snipd community
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31 snips
Sep 6, 2021 • 1h 32min

163 | Nigel Goldenfeld on Phase Transitions, Criticality, and Biology

Nigel Goldenfeld, a Chancellor's Distinguished Professor in Physics at UC San Diego, delves into the fascinating world of phase transitions and their implications across various systems. He discusses how simple physical models can illuminate complex biological phenomena, from evolutionary dynamics to genetic codes. The conversation navigates through topics like scale-free behavior, the significance of non-equilibrium transitions in fluid dynamics, and the interplay of ecological systems, all while highlighting the universal laws connecting physics and biology.
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Jun 20, 2024 • 36min

How Is Science Even Possible?

Nigel Goldenfeld, a physicist renowned for his insights on the universe's complexities, joins co-host Steven Strogatz. They dive into why science succeeds in unraveling nature's enigmas, despite its apparent complexity. The pair discuss the importance of asking the right questions and the surprising phenomenon of emergence, where new properties arise in different scales. They also explore the intersection of mathematics and various scientific fields, from physics to biology, and reflect on how simple theoretical frameworks often yield profound insights.
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Jan 29, 2024 • 39min

51 | Nigel Goldenfeld and the jazz of impossible problems

Nigel Goldenfeld, a Chancellor's Distinguished Professor in Physics at UC San Diego, compares scientific research to jazz improvisation. He discusses how scientists, like musicians, must evolve from rigid structures to creative collaboration, encouraging students to embrace unconventional ideas. Goldenfeld emphasizes the joy of ‘playing off’ each other during discussions, and the importance of tackling unique problems. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of group sizes for effective brainstorming, revealing that innovation thrives where diverse thoughts can freely collide.