Sociologist Duncan Watts - ScienceLives

The speaker discusses their journey from engineering to network science and sociology, emphasizing the importance of experiments, theory, and models in research. They reflect on their work during the 1970s energy crisis, exploring building insulation. The concept of 'taste' in scientific inquiry is highlighted, focusing on the ability to ask interesting questions. The impact of networks on society, including epidemics and information flow, is explored. Influences from mentors and the significance of scientific conversations are discussed. The speaker addresses misconceptions about scientists and the value of thinking time, concluding with personal interests and musical preferences.

Who does the author consider to be the most influential person in their scientific career and why?

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What challenges does the author face in conveying the nature of their work to others?

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What does the author hope to achieve by revisiting their old notebooks?

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