World Science Festival Courses

To Explain the World: The Discovery of Modern Science

Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg discusses the evolution of scientific thought and exploration, offering insights into the historical development of modern science and its impact on our understanding of the world.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Art Historian's Cool Job - Using Technology to Uncover Hidden Masterpieces

Discover how art historian Maurizio Seracini uses advanced imaging techniques to uncover hidden details in masterpiece paintings, revealing secrets of artistic geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci.

• YouTube
• 32 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Cave Microbiologist - Exploring Underground Ecosystems for Medical Research

Explore the thrilling world of cave microbiology with Hazel Barton as she conducts groundbreaking research on tiny organisms in extreme environments, potentially leading to new antibiotic discoveries.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Robot Talent Agent - Building Interactive Robotic Experiences

Explore the fascinating world of social robotics with Heather Knight as she discusses interactive robotic experiences, from reactive flower sculptures to a stand-up comedy robot, blurring the lines between art and science.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Flame Challenge Prize Announcement - 2012

Alan Alda hosts the Flame Challenge Prize Announcement, revealing the best scientific explanation of how a flame works, as judged by 11-year-olds nationwide, promoting science communication to young audiences.

• YouTube
• 27 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Science and Story: Communicating Cutting-Edge Discovery to the Public

Explore the art of translating complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives for a broad audience with award-winning writers and scientists in this illuminating discussion.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Cicada Serenades - Music, Mating, and Meaning

Explore cicada mating rituals, communication, and ecosystem impact through expert discussions and musical performances blending insect and human sounds.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 17 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Brave New Prehistoric World - Reassessing Human Origins Through Ancient DNA

Explore groundbreaking discoveries in human origins, revealing multiple early human groups coexisting with our ancestors and their genetic legacy in us today. Leading experts discuss these transformative insights.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Neuroscience and the Roots of Human Connections - The Social Synapse

Explore the neuroscience behind human social connections, examining how our brains orchestrate communal behavior and group interactions, and why our social nature is crucial to our success as a species.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 7 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Matter of Antimatter - Answering the Cosmic Riddle of Existence

Explore the cosmic mystery of antimatter's absence in our universe with leading physicists, delving into theories, experiments, and potential applications of this enigmatic substance.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 39 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Science in a Polarized World - A Global Town Hall Meeting

Explore the complex relationship between science and society in this global discussion, examining trust, communication, and policy-making challenges in an era of polarization and information overload.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 1 minute
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Cartographers of the Brain - Mapping the Connectome

Explore the ambitious Human Connectome Project with leading neuroscientists as they discuss brain mapping, connectivity, and its potential impact on understanding and treating neurological disorders.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

The Promise of Human Regeneration - Forever Young

Experts explore regenerative medicine's potential to revolutionize healthcare, from lab-grown organs to tissue engineering, discussing current advancements and future implications for human health and longevity.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

AI and the Art of Ingenuity - Computational Creativity

Explore the future of creativity as artists, scientists, and experts discuss AI's role in art, music, and innovation, examining the potential and limitations of computational creativity.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk

Quantum Reality - Space, Time, and Entanglement

Explore quantum physics principles with experts, covering space, time, entanglement, black holes, and practical applications in this thought-provoking discussion moderated by Brian Greene.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 33 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Conference Talk