“Dr. Panch,” as he’s known, is the new Director of the National Science Foundation. He supervises over $8 billion of federal investment in research. To make that investment count, among his goals is inspiring the “spirit of science” in the young and under-represented—and encouraging the curiosity that can lead to the unexpected. Or, as he says. “looking for coal and finding a diamond.”

&ldquo;Dr. Panch,&rdquo; as he&rsquo;s known, is the new Director of the National Science Foundation. He supervises over $8 billion of federal investment in research. To make that investment count, among his goals is inspiring the &ldquo;spirit of science&rdquo; in the young and under-represented&mdash;and encouraging the curiosity that can lead to the unexpected. Or, as he says. &ldquo;looking for coal and finding a diamond.&rdquo;

With support from The Kavli Foundation, Clear+Vivid presents this special series on the power of basic scientific research – from the pure to the practical. What is curiosity-driven research? Why does it matter? How does it play a role in transforming our lives? Where does basic research take place and by whom? Why is investing in basic research essential to society?

Host Alan Alda leads conversations with 10 guests discussing these topics and more, each sharing their point of view and experience about basic science and their personal stories – what got them interested in or involved in science. Science Clear+Vivid runs concurrent with Clear+Vivid Season 10 (October - November) and will be released each Thursday.

With support from The Kavli Foundation, Clear+Vivid presents this special series on the power of basic scientific research &ndash; from the pure to the practical. What is curiosity-driven research? Why does it matter? How does it play a role in transforming our lives? Where does basic research take place and by whom? Why is investing in basic research essential to society?
Host Alan Alda leads conversations with 10 guests discussing these topics and more, each sharing their point of view and experience about basic science and their personal stories &ndash; what got them interested in or involved in science. Science Clear+Vivid runs concurrent with Clear+Vivid Season 10 (October - November) and will be released each Thursday.

Science Clear+Vivid Podcast

With support from <a href="https://www.kavlifoundation.org/">The Kavli Foundation</a>, Clear+Vivid presents this special series on the power of basic scientific research &ndash; from the pure to the practical. What is curiosity-driven research? Why does it matter? How does it play a role in transforming our lives? Where does basic research take place and by whom? Why is investing in basic research essential to society?
Host Alan Alda leads conversations with 10 guests discussing these topics and more, each sharing their point of view and experience about basic science and their personal stories &ndash; what got them interested in or involved in science. Science Clear+Vivid runs concurrent with <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/clear-vivid-with-alan-alda">Clear+Vivid</a> Season 10 (October - November) and will be released each Thursday.

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