The Impediments to High-Risk, High-Return Research

Carl Bergstrom is coming to Talley Student Union on Wednesday, October 14, for a talk titled The Impediments to High-Risk, High-Return Research. It's part of the One Biology Seminar Series, so it fits right into the university's biology calendar, but the title suggests it'll touch on something a bit broader than just lab work.

Bergstrom is a microbiologist and an author, and that's a good way to keep in mind what he brings to the table. He's spent his career working with microorganisms, but he also writes, which usually means he's thinking about how to explain complex ideas to people who aren't necessarily in the same field. The talk's title, The Impediments to High-Risk, High-Return Research, points toward the systemic side of science—the things that get in the way of the kind of ambitious, high-stakes research that can lead to a real breakthrough. If you've ever wondered why certain big ideas in science struggle to get off the ground, that's exactly the kind of thing he'll be digging into.

It's a midday thing, which is a nice change of pace if you're used to events that only happen after dark. The talk starts at 12 PM in the Currituck/Hatteras Ballroom at Talley, right in the heart of the NC State campus. Since it's part of a seminar series, it's set up for people to listen and then stick around for a bit of a conversation afterward. It's free to attend, so you don't need to worry about tickets or booking in advance—just show up when you're ready.

So, if you're interested in how science actually gets funded and pushed forward, or if you just want to hear a microbiologist talk about the hurdles facing high-risk research, this is a good one to have on your radar. It's at Talley Student Union on Wednesday, October 14, starting at 12 PM, and it's free.