Hooray for Science!

[Me-Ike]

He was probably after your time, but did Gunther von Hagens ever make any appearances in Germany?

Yes, but, as far as I know, mainly in the south and in Berlin. Both quite a bit away from where I am so I haven't really had the chance of seeing it yet.

Although another great and inspirational figure I think we've all missed out is Stephen Hawking, now former Lucasian Professor at Cambridge Uni. I was fortunate to have attended a talk he gave, promoting his book "The Universe In A Nutshell" some years ago. It made me think more about how the Universe works. I never read "A Brief History of Time" though - in fact, I never even owned a copy.

I thought of him as well but didn't include him because I am currently in my Carl Sagan frenzy and thought that his name would be mentioned early on by someone else anyway. Also someone I really admire.

As for today's kids.... well, I guess Prof. Brian Cox (the particle physicist and ex D:Ream keyboardist, not the Dundonian actor) would be the next closest thing to a scientist who may be inspiring our current generation.

See, we need more like him! I really think there is far too little science on tv. I can think of one show which answers questions about everyday life which is currently on the air, but it's the only one far and wide.
Which brings me to a plan a friend and I are currently hatching. Death to current television by destruction of satellites! Carl Sagan could have helped. Of course, how to get our own programs up and running is still a hitch in the plan.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Another great popularizer of Science was the late great Stephen Jay Gould. He wrote a monthly column in Natural History and published a number of books, including Bully For Brontosaurus () and Wonderful Life, a fantastic book about the Burgess Shale (although just a bit dated now).

 

[john titor]

Its the key to unlocking the future of humanity

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Probably the greatest popularizer of science-not to mention about a hundred other subjects- was Isaac Asimov. In addition to being one of the preeminent science fiction writers of all time he had a PhD in bio-chemistry and wrote dozens of science books. Every one should have a copy of his book Asimov's New Guide To Science. It will obviously grow a little more dated as time wears on, but I still think if you only have one book to learn science from that is it.

 

[RJDiogenes]

I've read a bunch of his non-fiction. His books on Physics and Black Holes are wonderful.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

While not a scientist in the same fields or level as some other names mentioned here. in recent years I have also admired the work of conservationist Steve Irwin and his family.

 

[backstept]

these seem relavent to the topic

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgiXGELjbc[/yt]

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk[/yt]

 

[RJDiogenes]

Fantastic! And Sagan sings just like Kermit the Frog.