Notable scientists discuss the roles of instinct, uncertainty, and inspiration on their road to success. They talk about their approaches to collaborations and how they handle road blocks. As you listen you will find there is no one path or general principle to follow when doing biomedical research. Rather, there is freedom to question existing solutions, and freedom to imagine new possibilities.
Physiologist and biochemist David Julius discusses collaborative writing, reading obituaries, and the "resolution revolution."
10 Jun 2026
Diane Mathis: It's All About Immunology
Immunologist Diane Mathis discusses collaboration, how creativity is rooted in knowledge, and why uncertainty is simply part of the scientific process.
12 May 2026
William Kaelin: On Scientific taste and the TV series "Mission: Impossible"
Physician-scientist and Lasker Laureate William Kaelin reflects on why asking the right questions is essential, but discerning what not to pursue is even more critical to becoming a successful scientist.
14 Apr 2026
Timothy Springer: From Anthropology to Drug Discovery
He studied anthropology, sociology, and psychology, loved biochemistry, and ultimately became a biophysicist—Lasker Laureate Timothy Springer is always looking toward the future.
2 Mar 2026
We Ask a Scientist Napoleone Ferrara
We Ask a Scientist Napoleone Ferrarahttps://laskerfoundation.org/we-ask-a-scientist-napoleone-ferrara
Lasker Laureate Quarraisha Abdool Karim reflects on a journey shaped by meaningful partnerships—with her mentors, the communities she is committed to helping, and the scientists who walk alongside her.
17 Nov 2025
John Jumper: On working at the edge of knowledge
A physicist by training, Lasker Laureate John Jumper explains how AI research enables prodigious creativity, with the aim of improving our understanding of the world.
15 Oct 2025
On Sculpting Ideas, Classic Papers, and Churchill
Developmental neuroscientist Jeremy Nathans tells us why "a good idea is a lot like a good joke" and why it is important to embrace uncertainty.
9 Aug 2025
Paul Nurse on creativity, humor, and Karl Popper
An interview with Paul Nurse
An intuitive researcher, Lasker Laureate Paul Nurse is " less inclined to impose order on the living world and more inclined to try and interpret the order that is there."
9 Jun 2025
The Modernist
An interview with Leslie Vosshall
From dishwasher in the lab as a teen to leading an international network of scientists, neurobiologist Leslie Vosshall does not shy away from challenges — she embraces them.
8 May 2025
On Leadership,Technology, and Inventing a New Game
An interview with Elias Zerhouni
"Instinct does not come from a natural or preternatural ability, it comes from the interaction of learning, mentoring, and obviously your hunger for discovering things that no one else has."
8 Apr 2025
A Calm Endeavour: Discovering TOR
An Interview with Michael Hall
"The beauty of research is that you don't have to plan far ahead, results lead you to the next question."
6 Mar 2025
About Building Models
An interview with Lauren Gardner
How a systems engineer tries to understand disease spread and human movement.
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