The Weekend Intelligence: Laugh, think, move

FOR 35 years the Ig Nobel prizes—given for “research that makes people laugh, then think”—have been awarded at a madcap ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The “laugh” part highlights the sillier side of science; the “think” part reveals the same creative inquiry that drives the more dour-seeming side. Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”, speaks to the prizes' founder and past winners about the grave reasons the ceremony is moving this year to Zurich.  Topics covered: Ig Nobel prizes Nobel prizesscientific inquiryAmerican science policyGuests: Marc Abrahams, founder, Ig Nobel prizesMarie Dacke, professor of sensory biology, Lund UniversitySir Andre Geim, professor of physics, University of ManchesterDavid Kaiser, professor of physics and professor of the history of science, MITLuca Luiselli, president, Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Co-operationLinks to other episodes: The Weekend Intelligence: Science under siegeThe Weekend Intelligence: The War on Animal Research Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. *************** This podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com.