Didier Queloz: “There is no age for being clever!” - Nobel Prize in Physics 2019

Transcript

I'm very pleased and honored to be talking to you today I want to start off by introducing myself my name is Jen and I'm 18 years old and I'm currently studying the natural science program in Sweden at a gymnasium called International a tennis game nausea and sorry mum this year I will choose between a few programs at university level and I'm think... Read More

Summary

In this video, a young scientist named Jen interviews a Nobel Prize laureate about his experiences in the field of science. They discuss topics such as the significance of receiving the Nobel Prize, the importance of curiosity and failure in science, and the future of scientific research.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does it feel to have a Nobel Prize medal?

Receiving the Nobel Prize is an immense honor and also a big responsibility. It is still sinking in for me, but I see it as a magical element that will help me to do even better in my scientific pursuits.

Q: Where do you store your Nobel Prize medal?

Since gold can attract attention, I have to keep it safe. It may end up in a bank for protection.

Q: What led you to choose physics and engineering as your career paths?

When I was younger, I had a passion for mathematics and physics, and I believed that pursuing physics would open up many possibilities for me in the future. My advice to others is to do what they love and not to overplan, as life is unpredictable and there are always opportunities for change.

Q: How difficult was it to convince the scientific community of your groundbreaking discoveries?

Discovering exoplanets was not an easy task, especially since nobody was doing similar research at the time. The history of searching for exoplanets has been filled with failures, but we were able to provide solid evidence. However, the fact that the planets we detected did not fit into existing theories made it challenging to gain acceptance.

Q: What was it like to experience the contradiction between data and theory?

It was an extraordinary announcement, as it demonstrated the unpredictability of scientific discoveries. While we learn about the scientific process from textbooks, actually experiencing it is a different game. Having data that contradicts existing theories requires the development of new theories based on new data, which can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Q: How did you find the motivation to keep researching a project that appeared to have little promise of success?

The key was to cultivate curiosity and embrace failure. Being curious and accepting that most attempts will not lead to significant results is crucial in science. Failure is part of success, and learning to cope with failure and build on it is what makes a scientist successful in their research.

Q: Was it surprising to achieve such success at a young age?

There is no age limit for being clever and successful. In fact, being young can be an advantage because there is a willingness to explore new ideas that may not fit into conventional wisdom. Many Nobel Prize laureates achieved their groundbreaking work at a young age, which shows the importance of youthful curiosity and boldness in science.

Q: Are you interested in other fields of science besides astrophysics?

I am interested in various fields of science, including biology and chemistry. However, due to time constraints, I focus primarily on exploring questions about life in the universe. To make progress in this area, I am learning more about chemistry to better understand the complexities of life.

Q: Were you always a curious person since childhood?

Yes, curiosity is innate, and I have always been very curious. As a child, I had an interest in dismantling objects and understanding how they worked. While this led to some destruction, it also fueled my curiosity and energy. Curiosity is a common trait in children, but not all have the opportunity or conditions to nurture it fully.

Q: What do you think the future holds for your field of science?

I believe we are at the beginning of a new science, specifically the study of life in the universe. Exploring the possibility of life on Mars and other planets, such as Venus, is an exciting project. The future holds many discoveries in this field, and I hope to live long enough to witness some of them.

Takeaways

This video interview with a Nobel Prize laureate highlights the importance of curiosity, failure, and embracing change in the field of science. The laureate's journey, from a young scientist to receiving the highest honor in science, showcases the significance of pursuing one's passions and being open to new ideas. The future of scientific research, especially in the study of life in the universe, holds great promise and excitement.