Who is a Scientist? Shaping Innovation from the Heart | Sahra Tasdelen | TEDxMedUniGraz

Key Concepts

• Perception of Scientists: Traditional stereotypes vs. reality, disconnect between public perception and scientific practice.
• Science Communication: The importance of sharing scientific discoveries and making them understandable to the general public.
• Visibility of Women in Science: Underrepresentation of women in scientific fields and recognition (e.g., Nobel Prizes), the need for role models.
• Defining a Scientist: Beyond the lab coat and title, emphasizing curiosity, connection, and courage.
• Innovation and Collaboration: The idea that innovation arises from shared knowledge, empathy, and connection.

The Scientist: Beyond the Stereotype

The speaker begins by challenging the common perception of scientists, often depicted as individuals in lab coats, potentially holding dangerous substances, or as eccentric figures like Albert Einstein or Marie Curie. The core argument is to present a different, more relatable image of a scientist.

An Unexpected Encounter: The Ice Cream Shop Revelation

A pivotal moment occurred when the speaker, a molecular biologist working on developing tiny beating heart cells from human stem cells, was at an ice cream shop with a curious six-year-old. When asked about the framed pictures in the hallway, the speaker, unsure of their identity, jokingly suggested they might be the owners. The child's response, "You know how to develop human hearts, but you don't know who this is?", highlighted a profound realization for the speaker: the power of science lies not just in discovery, but in the ability to share and communicate it effectively. This experience shifted the speaker's understanding of a scientist's role from solely conducting research to actively engaging with and explaining their work.

The Disconnect: Public Perception vs. Scientific Reality

The speaker recounts an experience at US passport control where, upon identifying herself as a molecular biologist, she was asked if she had any "bio-weapons" in her suitcase. This anecdote illustrates a significant disconnect between the public's understanding of science and its actual practice, where the term "molecular biologist" can evoke fear and suspicion rather than curiosity.

To further explore this disconnect, the speaker cites research:

• 2025 Survey: A survey of 72,000 people across 68 countries found that while people generally consider scientists competent, they are perceived as not open or responsive, meaning "smart but not really reachable."
• Different Research Center: A study indicated that 90% of Americans found scientists intelligent, but less than half believed they communicate well.

These findings suggest that the public is not uninterested in science but rather disconnected due to misinformation and poor communication. The research also revealed a desire for scientists to engage more with the general public.

Efforts to Bridge the Gap: Communication Initiatives

Inspired by the need for better science communication, the speaker attempted to launch a talk show for scientists, hosted by a scientist, to explain discoveries in an accessible language and showcase the human side of scientific work. Despite the pilot being well-developed, it unfortunately did not secure funding, while a show about cars did.

The Underrepresentation of Women in Science

The speaker then addresses the issue of gender disparity in science, particularly highlighting the low representation of women among Nobel Prize winners.

• Nobel Prize Statistics: Out of over 600 Nobel laureates in scientific fields, only 27 have been women to date. The speaker notes that many might assume a higher percentage, perhaps even half.

This statistic underscores the importance of visibility and the need for more female role models in science. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote of pitching an episode about women in science for a podcast, only to be met with the suggestion of doing "something more fun," revealing a persistent perception that women in science are not engaging or interesting.

Honoring the Pioneers and Redefining the Scientist

The speaker emphasizes the importance of fighting for recognition and honoring past scientists, including:

• Mileva Marić-Einstein: Albert Einstein's wife, a brilliant mathematician and one of the first women to study at the Zurich Polytechnic.
• Rosalind Franklin: A key figure in understanding the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite.
• Barbara McClintock: Initially dismissed for her work on "jumping genes," she was later proven correct.

Ultimately, the speaker redefines what it means to be a scientist:

• Curiosity: A scientist remains curious even when the world suggests otherwise.
• Action: They turn questions into experiments, doubts into discoveries, and complex research into understandable stories.
• Core Qualities: A scientist is defined not by external markers like a lab coat, goggles, title, or publications, but by curiosity, connection, and courage.

Conclusion: The Heart of Innovation

The speaker concludes by reiterating that innovation is not an isolated endeavor. It arises from the intersection of the mind and heart, knowledge and empathy, and crucially, from sharing and celebrating our work. The message is that anyone who dares to ask questions, share their stories, and contribute to shaping the future, from the heart, can be considered a scientist. This includes the speaker, the curious child, the pioneering women in science, and anyone in the audience willing to engage and contribute.