ID the Future Intelligent Design, Evolution, and Science Podcast
Author

Forrest M. Mims III

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paleontologists have discovered a fossil in the desert
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Integrity in Science: More with Maverick Scientist Forrest Mims

Honesty, humility, respect. Just a few of the essential qualities scientists need to do good science. Today, host Andrew McDiarmid concludes a conversation with engineer, inventor, writer, and self-taught scientist Forrest Mims about the role of integrity and humility in science, as well as the importance of solid data and good old-fashioned persistence. Should scientists be required to hide their personal values or religious convictions or check them at the door before conducting research? Mims says no and explains. What about humility? McDiarmid quotes from an older edition of On Being a Scientist, an educational booklet for young researchers published by the National Academies of Science. Highlighting the importance of scientific humility, the publication acknowledges that "science offers only one window on human experience. While upholding the honor of their profession, scientists must seek to avoid putting scientific knowledge on a pedestal above knowledge obtained through other means.” Thirty years later, is the scientific enterprise still as humble? Mims shares his thoughts. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Read More ›
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Scientist in laboratory looking through microscope
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Forrest Mims: The Essential Role of Skepticism in Science

Science is a very human enterprise, so it can fall prey to very human problems. How a scientist conducts himself or herself professionally matters. On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid begins a two-part conversation on the importance of skepticism and integrity in science with engineer, inventor, writer, and self-taught scientist Forrest Mims. How important is skepticism to scientific research? How can scientists collaborate respectfully? In what ways can scientists honor their profession while interacting honrably with the public? Forrest shares stories and examples from his decades-long career in science as he answers these and other questions. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Look for Part 2 in a separate episode. Read More ›
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Breathtaking view of Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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My Atmospheric Science Adventures at Mauna Loa Observatory

Most people know Hawaii is famous for its beaches. But did you know it’s also home to one of the world’s leading stations for monitoring the atmosphere? On this ID The Future, self-taught citizen scientist Forrest Mims talks to host Andrew McDiarmid about the history and significance of the world-famous Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. He also shares some of his own experiences and adventures there over the last quarter century. In this episode, Mims reminds us of his dust-up with Scientific American, a controversy that would ultimately launch his career as an atmospheric scientist. He introduces us to some of the pioneering explorers and scientists who set the stage for atmospheric science in Hawaii, including Archibald Menzies, Charles Wilkes, Read More ›

Forrest Mims at Mauna Loa Observatory Rolex Award Work

Forrest Mims on Winning the Rolex Award (And How You Can Too!)

Rolex is well-known the world over for crafting high-quality, innovative time-pieces. But did you know they also award funds to people with innovative ideas in science and technology? On this ID The Future, Texan engineer, writer, and self-taught scientist Forrest M. Mims recounts his experience of winning a Rolex Award for Enterprise in 1993 for his innovative proposal to track the ozone layer through a worldwide ground-based network that utilized his own homemade ozone instruments. Mims discusses the work that led to the honor, the memorable trip to Switzerland to collect the award, and how the Rolex Award propelled his career in science. Read More ›
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A young person enjoying a sunset over a mountain range
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Twilight Science: Forrest Mims Unlocks the Secrets of the Atmosphere

Many of us have enjoyed a colorful twilight or a stunning sunset. But how often do we think about the science behind these memorable conditions? Forrest Mims has been measuring the Earth's atmosphere for more than 30 years. On this episode of ID The Future, Mims shares with us some of the secrets he's learned from his long-term research. Mims has forged a distinguished scientific career despite having no academic training in science. He is an instrument designer, science writer, and independent science consultant. Mims has published over 60 books, including his latest: Maverick Scientist: My Adventures as an Amateur Scientist. Read More ›
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Background image licensed from Adobe Stock

Enjoy an Exclusive Reading From Maverick Scientist

Curiosity can lead to unexpected adventures. For self-taught scientist Forrest Mims, it inspired a successful career in science and technology. On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid reads an exclusive excerpt from Mims’s new memoir Maverick Scientist: My Adventures as an Amateur Scientist. Also: don't miss our two-part interview with Forrest Mims about his memoir! Read More ›
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Images courtesy Forrest Mims.

My Adventures As an Amateur Scientist

Can a successful scientist be self-taught? On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid concludes his conversation with Forrest M. Mims about his new memoir Maverick Scientist: My Adventures as an Amateur Scientist. Without a college science degree, Mims taught himself the fundamentals of engineering and atmospheric science that fueled an impressive career in science and technology. Listen as he shares more stories from an inspiring career! This interview is also available in video form. See the Discovery Science YouTube channel for links. Read More ›
Forrest Mims Interview Part 1 Episode Graphic
Images courtesy Forrest Mims.

Forrest Mims: The Making of a Maverick Scientist

What does it take to be a scientist? For Forrest Mims, the answer is simple: you just have to do science. On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid begins a two-part conversation with a man who has forged an impressive scientific career on curiosity, determination, and a lot of hard work. In the first of a two-part interview, Mims discusses his coming of age in the silicon era, sharing some of his many exploits as a young inventor and amateur scientist. Mims's new memoir Maverick Scientist is now available. More at idthefuture.com. Read More ›