For Episode #31 we are joined by the incredible Mubdi Rahman, an Astronomer with the Dunlap Institute in Toronto, Canada to discuss the value of scientific research, exploring the universe and the power of storytelling. 

Key Message: The best of science tells stories, and Love Actually is a brilliant movie!

“Astronomers have spotted the most jam-packed cluster of young supermassive stars ever seen in the Milky Way galaxy, including hundreds of the most massive types of stars that are dozens of times heavier than our sun.” – http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45600315/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/supermassive-stars-pack-newly-discovered-dragonfish-cluster/#.XwjfIihKiiM 

Some of the ideas we cover in this episode:

• What is astronomy?

• Why is STEM communication and development important in school?

• How do you stay motivated without any guarantee of success?

• Why astrophysics is important to the everyday person

• What are some of the challenges of science communication

• A Picture in a 1000 words

• What’s up with black holes and dark matter?

• What role can religion play in scientific research?

• Why teaching history is important

Further Resources:

• Connections by James Burke 

• Check out Mubdi’s website for more of his incredible work!

• Mubdi’s amazing Youtube series A Picture in a Thousand Words

Mubdi Quotes:

• It’s not about being right, and I think that’s the important part, letting go of the notion of being right. The best of science tells incredible stories. 

• One of the challenges, I feel, of all science communication is the recognition that the way that we as scientists have learned science, is probably not the way we should be communicating science. It’s a different purpose. 

• I think there are many aspects to one larger unified story that people will find interesting. If you think of a movie..everyone has a different storyline that people love…Love Actually is a perfect example of this. 

• My religion motivates my science. Me being an astronomer is largely in part because I feel that by studying the universe, I am better understanding God’s creation. 

• The last thing you want is for scientists to be the philosopher-kings of Plato, all in ivory towers, just discussing with themselves, and watching Rome burn around them. 

Mubdi Recommended Podcasts:

1. 99% Invisible

2. Anthropocene Reviewed

Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we’ve discussed or any suggestions of topics you’d like to hear us address. 

Thanks so much for your support!