DURING a pandemic, scientists are becoming more prominent in the lives of ordinary people than ever before. And while covid-19 highlights the importance of the field to humanity, it also raises questions about the role of scientists in modern life. Host Alok Jha spoke with astronomer and cosmologist Martin Rees, one of Britain’s top scientists and former president of the Royal Society. His new book “If Science is to Save Us” argues that scientific knowledge can solve some of the world’s biggest problems, but it can also cause great harm. He tells us about the three “big catastrophes” that worry him the most, and how to encourage innovation in scientific research. Duration: 36 minutes
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