Who is the most influential scientist today?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying the most influential scientist today, with participants concluding that no single scientist can be deemed the most important due to the vastness and diversity of scientific fields. Ed Witten is mentioned as a notable figure, but the consensus is that influence varies across different areas of research such as solid state physics, cosmology, and particle physics. The conversation suggests that a more precise question would focus on influential scientists within specific disciplines rather than seeking a singular figure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of various scientific disciplines, including physics, mathematics, and their subfields.
  • Familiarity with notable scientists and their contributions, particularly Ed Witten.
  • Knowledge of the Nobel Prize and its significance in recognizing scientific achievement.
  • Awareness of the evolution of scientific inquiry and research methodologies.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Ed Witten's contributions to theoretical physics and string theory.
  • Explore the criteria and significance of the Nobel Prize in various scientific fields.
  • Investigate influential physicists in specific areas such as solid state physics and cosmology.
  • Study the impact of interdisciplinary approaches in modern scientific research.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and professionals in the sciences, particularly those interested in the evolution of scientific thought and the contributions of contemporary scientists like Ed Witten.

Angel Penaflor
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I've been reading about the life of different scientist like Newton, Albert Einstein and Ramanujan and a question came to my mind
Who do you think is the most important or influential scientist today?
 
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That is really a poor question, because there are so many areas of physics (or other sciences and mathematics, are related fields) in which an individual can practice, teach or otherwise contribute.

I don't know of anyone who is singularly important to the exclusion of others.
 
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Angel Penaflor said:
I've been reading about the life of different scientist like Newton, Albert Einstein and Ramanujan and a question came to my mind
Who do you think is the most important or influential scientist today?
Ed Witten
 
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I agree, I don't think there isn't a single main scientist nowadays. Science is growing fast in all its branches, each in several directions and I don't see anyone at the forefront.
 
I agree with other responses that this is a poorly worded question, given the breadth and diversity of the fields of research within the different sciences. So no single scientist would be the most influential.

A better question might be who is the most influential physicist specializing in field X (e.g. solid state physics, statistical physics, optics, cosmology, atomic and molecular physics, particle physics, etc.) today.

You can make similar questions depending on other scientific fields.
 
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Maybe the easiest answer is that the most influential for any given year are those that win the Nobel prize?
 
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Ed Witten
 
Hornbein said:
Ed Witten
fourthindiana said:
Ed Witten
After seeing that 2 members here had given him the nod, I decided to find out a little more about Ed Witten, and I found this to-me-fascinating monologue:

At 22 minutes in, Ed Witten says:

In fact, the hardest part of research is always to find a question that's big enough that it's worth answering, but little enough that you actually can answer it.​
​
 
(k)NEWton
 
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why would the most influential scientist be a physicist? so 20th century, physics is mostly over
 
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