Interview

Marcia McNutt and Michael M. Crow talk about the role of science in nation-building, why uncertainty can be as damaging as budget cuts, and how the scientific enterprise can become more efficient and effective.

Chair of the National Science Board Darío Gil also leads IBM Research, one of the largest corporate labs in the world. He discusses how science is the new currency of power, the challenges in developing a STEM workforce, and the possibility of a “NATO of science and technology.”

Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter talks with contributing editor Molly Galvin about how the scientific worldview leads to the ability to stick with a challenge, a willingness to be wrong, and—sometimes—the discovery of “amazing solutions to problems.”

Computer scientist and “godmother of AI” Fei-Fei Li explains why artificial intelligence and public life are at an inflection point—and contemplates how to unleash positive changes while mitigating risks.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden discusses the dynamic and essential role libraries play in American life—as community spaces, information repositories, trusted sources, and conveners of civil discourse. 

Drawing on her four decades in R&D, presidential science and technology advisor Arati Prabhakar talks about how the US innovation ecosystem can help the country and its citizens to flourish.

Nobel Prize-winning economist and former chair of the US Federal Reserve Ben S. Bernanke talks about the evolution of the Fed, the relationship between the United States and China, and transitioning from academic to policymaker.

Tristan Harris talks about the challenge of online misinformation, ways to govern artificial intelligence, and a vision of technology that strengthens democracy.

Freeman Hrabowski III talks about the importance of the humanities, culture change at universities, and scientists’ involvement in civic life.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spent five decades in public service, during which she ushered through landmark science and technology legislation and helped to advance opportunities for all Americans.

The economist Anne Case discusses her research into the reversal of life expectancy gains for Americans without a college degree—and what policymakers could do about it.

The president of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jerzy Duszyński, talks about his country’s efforts to help scientists from neighboring Ukraine, and what the future may hold for both Ukrainian and global science.