Will Happer: Casual brilliance | Tom Nelson Pod #265

Tom Nelson

William (Will) Happer, the Cyrus Fogg Bracket Professor of Physics and one of the pioneers in the field of optically polarized atoms, transferred to emeritus status at the end of the 2014 academic year. Will is known for developing rigorous theories to analyze his elegant atomic physics experiments as well as for extensive service to Princeton and the U.S. government. His research has initiated several vibrant fields outside of atomic physics.

He has published over 200 scientific papers. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. He was awarded the 1997 Broida Prize and the 1999 Davisson-Germer Prize of the American Physical Society.

In this episode, Will Happer discusses the controversial and often politically charged field of climate science, critiquing its strong alignment with political agendas and the suppression of dissenting voices. He expresses hope for more rigorous scientific reviews and red team analyses under new leadership, drawing parallels to historical examples of scientific suppression and resilience. Happer also highlights his own scientific achievements, including the development of adaptive optics using sodium guide stars, and underscores the importance of practical experience and genuine scientific inquiry in fostering a more scientifically literate society.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:20 Trump's Impact on Climate Policy

01:52 Challenges in Climate Science

04:49 The Role of Government and Appointments

07:27 The Deep State and Administrative Challenges

30:16 The Importance of Practical Experience

34:21 Freeman Dyson and Influential Scientists

45:32 Greenhouse Gas Effect and Conclusion

More about Will Happer: https://dof.princeton.edu/people/william-happer

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