Rich White, Professor of cancer studies at Oxford University, talks about the process that led to a result being more interesting than the result itself. He thrives on working on common questions with scientists from different disciplines. Rich identifies new questions by finding connections between edge cases in research papers. The importance of friendship and chemistry in scientific collaboration is emphasized. The speakers discuss the significance of exploring edge cases and making connections in different fields, understanding different disciplines, and inspiring others to pursue a career in thinking.

Carolyn Bertozzi, Nobel Prize-winning chemist, discusses the unstructured process of science and how breakthroughs can come from unexpected places. She also highlights the challenges faced by newcomers in the field and emphasizes the importance of personal chemistry in running a successful lab. The podcast explores the distinction between day science and night science, the role of creativity in research, and the value of collaborations. It also discusses the frustrations and breakthroughs in tuberculosis study and the concept of the long game in science.

Join Stephen Quake, a Stanford professor and Head of Science at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, as he shares insights from his groundbreaking work in DNA sequencing. He discusses the surprising benefits of jetlag and the importance of generosity in scientific collaborations. Quake emphasizes the value of embracing mistakes in research, advocating for education that nurtures creativity and resilience. He also highlights how personal experiences shape scientific inquiry, encouraging future scientists to maintain faith in the unpredictable journey of discovery.

John Mattick, a Professor of RNA Biology at the University of New South Wales, challenges the notion of 'junk' DNA, arguing for its crucial regulatory roles. He reflects on how engaging in debates with his mother and aunts shaped his analytical skills. Mattick emphasizes the importance of publishing manifestos to boost research and advocates for questioning established scientific paradigms. He encourages students to embrace creativity by seeking out what doesn’t make sense, reminding us that intuition is vital in tackling complex genetic ideas.

Peter J. Ratcliffe, 2019 Nobel Prize recipient in Physiology or Medicine, discusses the importance of defining your own research question. He shares his groundbreaking work on oxygen sensing in animal cells and the trade-off between planning and discovery. The guest explores the benefits and drawbacks of multiple people in meetings and highlights the unexpected path to major discoveries. They also discuss alternative measures of scientific quality beyond key performance indicators.

Christina Curtis, Professor of Medicine and Director of AI and Cancer Genomics at Stanford, discusses the importance of not being biased in research, her background in statistical genetics, and the use of generative AI in scientific creativity. They explore knowledge gaps, the impact of AI in medicine and science, and the role of data and training in shaping scientific perspectives. They also delve into the culture of scientific research, emphasizing breaks, dialogue, curiosity, and maintaining faith in the process.

Renowned philosopher Daniel Dennett discusses his 'intuition pumps' and the importance of creativity, consciousness, and free will. He shares insights on the use of analogies in science, the potential dangers of chat GPT, and the collaboration between philosophy and science. The podcast also explores the intersection of science and philosophy in neuroscience and the significance of addressing questions beyond consciousness. A fascinating discussion on creativity and 'real magic'.

Howard Stone, a Princeton Engineering Professor, dives into the thrilling world of fluid dynamics. He discusses how blending different scientific disciplines can unlock new insights. Stone emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration in research, likening scientific inquiry to detective work filled with curiosity and confidence. He also highlights the need for simplicity in tackling complex systems and champions a flexible mentorship style that nurtures innovative thinking among students.

Prisca Liberali, a senior group leader at a biomedical research institute, shares insights into the creative process, the role of curiosity, and risk-taking in science. They discuss the differences and similarities in approaches to creativity between scientists and artists. The podcast also explores the importance of 'why' questions in science and the role of conferences in scientific research.

Tom Mullaney, a Professor of History at Stanford University, and Chris Rea, a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, discuss self-centered research, the power of vulnerable self-confidence in research, and the necessity of personal biases in noticing anything interesting. They highlight the importance of choosing a meaningful research problem, exploring personal connections in research topics, and the value of self-reflection and engaging with the world. They also delve into the relationship between bias and the research process and the need to test and contrast ideas with reality.