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Scientific Discoveries: from the mind to the cosmos

Cultural discussion show. Andrew Marr discusses past experiments and cutting-edge science with Brian Cox, Saiful Islam, Andrea Wulf and Michael Lewis.

On Start the Week Andrew Marr looks back at lost heroes of science, and forward to cutting-edge experiments. Saiful Islam, Professor of Materials Chemistry, recreates Michael Faraday's famous 19th century experiments for the Royal Institution's Christmas lectures before exploring the latest materials being invented to boost clean energy. More Christmas fare as Brian Cox attempts to explain the birth of the entire universe with music, dance and comedy. Andrea Wulf celebrates the Victorian naturalist, geographer and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, whose name although mostly forgotten lives on through his research - from the Humboldt Current to Humboldt penguins. Michael Lewis has turned his attention from the financial crisis and his bestselling Liar's Poker and The Big Short to the birth of the Nobel-prize winning theory of behavioural economics, and the remarkable scientific partnership at its heart.
Producer: Katy Hickman.

Available now

43 minutes

Last on

Mon 19 Dec 2016 21:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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The Bolshoi and Culture Wars

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Maps, Music and Medieval Manuscripts

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Michael Lewis

is an author and journalist.

The Undoing Project: A Friendship that Changed the World is published by Allen Lane.

Andrea Wulf

is a writer and historian.

The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science is published by John Murray.

Brian Cox

is a Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester and The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science.

Universal: A Guide to the Cosmos, co-authored with Jeff Forshaw, is published by Allen Lane.

Brian can also be seen in The Entire Universe on Boxing Day at 9.30pm on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two.

Saiful Islam

is Professor of Materials Chemistry at the University of Bath.

will be broadcast on Boxing Day, 27th and 28th December at 8.00pm on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four.

Credits

Presenter Andrew Marr
Interviewed Guest Brian Cox
Interviewed Guest Saiful Islam
Interviewed Guest Andrea Wulf
Interviewed Guest Michael Lewis
Producer Katy Hickman

Broadcasts

  • Mon 19 Dec 2016 09:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
  • Mon 19 Dec 2016 21:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Podcast

  • Start the Week

    Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday