The IG Nobel Prize: Research That Makes You Laugh, Then Think
Marc Abrahams
Marc has a degree in applied mathematics from Harvard College, spent several years developing optical character recognition computer systems, and later founded Wisdom Simulators, which used computers to give people experience in making tough decisions. Marc is the subject of a Harvard Business School case study called “Marc Abrahams: Annals of an Improbable Entrepreneur”. Marc is the editor and co-founder of Annals of Improbable Research, and the founder and master of ceremonies of the annual Ig Nobel Prize celebration. He was formerly editor of the Journal of Irreproducible Results.
- Recording: Yes
- Language: English
- Duration: 45 min / 15 min
Session Summary
The Ig Nobel Prize is a satiric prize awarded annually since 1991 to celebrate ten unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research, its stated aim being to "honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think." The name of the award is a pun on the Nobel Prize, which it parodies, and on the word ignoble. Organised by the scientific humor magazine Annals of Improbable Research (AIR), the Ig Nobel Prizes are presented by Nobel laureates in a ceremony at the Sanders Theater, Harvard University, and are followed by the winners’ public lectures at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Improbable Research editorial board of more than 50 distinguished scientists includes many Nobel Laureates, several Ig Nobel Prize winners, IQ record holder Marilyn Vos Savant, and a convicted felon. In this College Tour Special, Marc will hold a short talk about the world renowned Ig Nobel prizes, followed by a moderated Q&A session.
Interaction
During the expert session, Marc Abrahams engages the audience through methods like a Q&A session.
Key Learnings
- Diverse Achievements: Learn about various unusual and thought-provoking scientific achievements that have been honored by the Ig Nobel Prizes.
- Humor in Science: Understand the role and impact of humor in scientific research and public engagement through the lens of the Ig Nobel Prizes.
- Scientific Community and Public Perception: Gain insights into how the scientific community and the public perceive and celebrate unconventional scientific contributions.
Detailed session description
Marc will delve into the fascinating world of the Ig Nobel Prizes, a satiric award celebrating unusual or trivial achievements in scientific research. Established in 1991, the Ig Nobel Prizes aim to "honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think." The name cleverly puns on the prestigious Nobel Prize and the word ignoble, highlighting the humorous and thought-provoking nature of the awards.
Organized by the scientific humor magazine Annals of Improbable Research (AIR), the Ig Nobel Prizes are presented by Nobel laureates in a whimsical ceremony at Harvard University's Sanders Theater. Following the ceremony, winners give public lectures at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Improbable Research editorial board, comprising over 50 distinguished scientists including Nobel Laureates, past Ig Nobel winners, IQ record holder Marilyn Vos Savant, and even a convicted felon, plays a pivotal role in the awards.
Marc's session will begin with a short talk on the history and significance of the Ig Nobel Prizes, exploring their unique blend of humor and scientific inquiry. He will share anecdotes and highlight some of the most memorable and thought-provoking prize-winning research. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Marc and delve deeper into the curious and entertaining world of the Ig Nobel Prizes.
Other Sessions by this Speaker
No other sessions available at this moment.
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