In over two decades as a science writer, Russ Hodge has witnessed “the good, the bad, and the completely ridiculous” sides of science and its practitioners. In this talk he presents some of the funniest highlights: from a disastrous interview with James Watson to debates on evolution with creationists in Kansas (and Oslo), to his pioneering study of “The Evolution of Pizza.”
One of Europe’s most respected science communicator
Besides being a diplomat trying to negotiate new boundaries between science, humor, and art, Russ is one of Europe’s most respected science communicators and teachers. In 1997 he was plucked from a peaceful existence as a writer and musician to launch the Office of Information and Public Affairs at EMBL, helping shape it into one of the most respected centers of public outreach for molecular biology in the world.
Russ currently works as science writer at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin. He has written thousands of articles, dozens of journalistic reports for institutes across Europe, and published 8 books on science. He is a co-author on 7 original scientific papers, has written highly successful international grants, and most recently written and illustrated a children’s book on evolution. Alongside humorous pieces on his blog, he is carrying out important work on the theory, practice and didactics of science communication.
Devil’s Dictionary of Scientific Words and Phrases
The talk will be illustrated with his cartoons, animations, and entries from his “Devil’s Dictionary of Scientific Words and Phrases”. Catch a preview at his blog goodsciencewriting (wordpress).