Ideas worth spreading

Why science demands a leap into the unknown

1,217,823 views |

Uri Alon |

TEDGlobal 2013

• June 2013

While studying for his PhD in physics, Uri Alon thought he was a failure because all his research paths led to dead ends. But, with the help of improv theater, he came to realize that there could be joy in getting lost. A call for scientists to stop thinking of research as a direct line from question to answer, but as something more creative. It's a message that will resonate, no matter what your field.

While studying for his PhD in physics, Uri Alon thought he was a failure because all his research paths led to dead ends. But, with the help of improv theater, he came to realize that there could be joy in getting lost. A call for scientists to stop thinking of research as a direct line from question to answer, but as something more creative. It's a message that will resonate, no matter what your field.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Uri Alon

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Uri Alon studies how cells work, using an array of tools (including improv theater) to understand the biological circuits that perform the functions of life.

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This is my theater troupe, which uses improv to convey scientific and social ideas.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.