Andrea Ghez: "It amazes me every time I go to the telescope"

Transcript

hello oh hello uh this is adam smith calling from nobelprize.org is that andre guess yes speaking oh hi it's very nice to speak to you congratulations on the award of the nobel prize thank you so thrilled i still can't quite believe it and having a fairly crazy morning i imagine yes the best kind though that's good predictable question but how did ... Read More

Summary

This transcript is a conversation between Adam Smith from nobelprize.org and Andre Geim, a physics laureate, discussing her recent award of the Nobel Prize. Geim talks about the significance of being the fourth female physics laureate and the responsibility she feels to encourage more young women to enter the field of science. They further discuss the importance of diversity in scientific teams and the advantages it brings in terms of different perspectives and new ideas. Geim shares her inspiration for becoming an astrophysicist and her passion for understanding the universe. She also discusses the wonder of studying black holes and the advancements in technology that enable such exploration. Despite the increased attention, Geim hopes to still have time for her work.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Andre Geim hear the news about winning the Nobel Prize?

Andre Geim heard the news with a phone call at two in the morning while she was fast asleep. Initially, she thought she was dreaming.

Q: What does being the fourth female physics laureate mean to Andre Geim?

Being the fourth female physics laureate is important to Andre Geim as it represents an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage young women to pursue scientific careers. She believes that visibility and representation are key to showing that science is open to all.

Q: What does diversity bring to a scientific team, according to Andre Geim?

Andre Geim believes that diversity brings different ways of looking at things to a scientific team. Being part of a minority can offer the chance to do something new and different, as long as one has the confidence to embrace their uniqueness. She sees diversity as an asset in science.

Q: What inspired Andre Geim to become an astrophysicist?

Andre Geim's passion for the universe was the main inspiration behind her choice to become an astrophysicist. The questions and mysteries of the universe have always fascinated her, and she followed her curiosity and passion.

Q: Does Andre Geim spend a lot of time pondering what's happening inside her supermassive black hole?

Andre Geim finds inspiration and motivation in the quest to understand the physics and role of black holes in the universe. From a scientist's perspective, it is fascinating to work on the frontiers of knowledge, exploring the mysteries that remain unsolved.

Q: What three components go hand in hand in the field of physics, according to Andre Geim?

Andre Geim emphasizes that theory, experimentation, and technology are interconnected components in the field of physics. The interplay between these aspects drives progress and enables scientists to explore and understand the universe in new ways.

Q: Is Andre Geim still amazed by the ability to study objects in the universe using technology?

Yes, Andre Geim is constantly amazed by the ability to capture and study light that has been on a journey for thousands of years. It is a wonder that human beings can peer into the depths of the universe and unravel its mysteries.

Q: With the increased attention from winning the Nobel Prize, will Andre Geim have time left for work?

Andre Geim hopes that despite the attention, she will still have time for her work. Science is a field that she is passionate about, and it is what keeps her going.

Q: Do Andre Geim and the other laureate, Reinhard Genzel, work together or compete?

Andre Geim explains that their work is independent and there is a healthy competition between them. Keeping their projects independent allows for a thorough exploration and discourages complacency. However, there is also an opportunity for both teams to bring different perspectives to the problem.

Q: Apart from being on the phone and talking to journalists, what would Andre Geim like to do after winning the Nobel Prize?

Andre Geim expresses the desire to celebrate, although given the current unusual times, celebrations need to be approached with creativity. She is excited about the achievement and looks forward to finding ways to commemorate it.

Takeaways

This conversation with Andre Geim highlights the significance of representation and diversity in the field of science. Geim's recognition as the fourth female physics laureate emphasizes the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM. Moreover, she discusses the benefits of different perspectives and ideas in scientific teams, as well as the interplay between theory, experimentation, and technology in advancing our understanding of the universe. Overall, her passion for astrophysics and the wonders of studying black holes are inspiring, showcasing the curiosity and dedication that drives scientific exploration.