
Reviews Write New Review
Location
Booking Fee
Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
Virtual Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
[email protected]
Dr. Eric Scerri is a chemist, author and leading historian and philosopher of science, specializing in the periodic table of the chemical elements. He is the author of "The Periodic Table, Its Story and Its Significance" (Oxford University Press, 2007) and numerous other books on this and related topics.
His writing includes a number of books directed at the general public such as "A Very Short Introduction to the Periodic Table and 30-Second Elements." He is a frequent contributor to popular science magazines such as Scientific American and New Scientist.
Dr. Scerri has been a full-time lecturer in chemistry and history & philosophy of science at UCLA for the past fifteen years where he regularly teaches classes of 350 undergraduates as well as classes in history and philosophy of science. His research ranges across many areas including chemical education, and historical and philosophical questions such as the relationship between chemistry and quantum physics.
He has been a consultant for TV and radio programs and has appeared extensively in TV interviews such as in the highly successful PBS series titled “The Mystery of Matter.”
In his latest book, A Tale of Seven Scientists and A New Philosophy of Science In his latest book, Eric Scerri presents a completely original account of the nature of scientific progress. It consists of a holistic and unified approach in which science is seen as a living and evolving single organism. Instead of scientific revolutions featuring exceptionally gifted individuals, Scerri argues that the "little people" contribute as much as the "heroes" of science. To do this he examines seven case studies of virtually unknown chemists and physicists in the early 20th century quest to discover the structure of the atom.
Dr. Scerri has given lectures to general audiences on all six continents.
Videos
Speech Topics
How and why science matters to our lives
Neither the political right nor the left generally have a good understanding or acceptance of science. The right denies climate research, reproductive science and evolution. Some on the left favors anti-scientfic New Age philosophies and remedies. It denies vaccines. Science is seen as an enigma that is the province of a super rational and especially talentend elite. My talk sets out to dismiss these view. I argue that science proceeds gradually through trial and error not as a result of genius. I argue that it is the product of the 'little people' as much as the scientific heroes.
Hot Topics
- How the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements Emerged
- What is this thing called science?
- Why does chemistry matter?
- A Tale of Seven Elements
Books
News
Related Speakers View all
![]() |
Dr. Alison Thompson
Humanitarian & Author of The Third Wave
|
![]() |
Amy Oestreicher
TEDx Speaker, author, artist, HuffPost columnist, an...
|
|
Mayim Bialik
Neuroscientist & Actress, Known For "The Big Bang Th...
|
![]() |
Donald Sadoway
John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Chemistry at ...
|
![]() |
Dr. Michio Kaku
World-Renowned Futurist & Theoretical Physicist
|
![]() |
Carson J. Bruns
Nanotechnologist, Scientist & Writer
|
![]() |
Kára McCullough
Miss USA 2017 & Physical Scientist at the Nuclear Re...
|
|
Jonathan Sandys
Speaking on the life & leadership of my great-grandf...
|
![]() |
Scott Shellstrom
Creativity Innovator, Award Winning Creative Directo...
|
![]() |
Mina Bissell
Iranian-American Biologist; Known for her Research o...
|
![]() |
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and In...
|
![]() |
Olympia LePoint
Award-Winning Rocket Scientist, Author, Science Jour...
|
![]() |
Clay Shirky
Expert on New Technology & Social Media, & How They ...
|
![]() |
Michael Rogers
MSNBC's 'The Practical Futurist' & Technology Expert
|
![]() |
Jeremy Rifkin
Leading Global Technologist, Futurist, Authority on ...
|
![]() |
Jim Carroll
Leading Global Futurist, Trends & Innovation Expert ...
|
![]() |
Daniel Burrus
Technology Futurist, Business Strategist & Hall of F...
|
![]() |
Clara Sousa-Silva
Quantum Astrochemist & Science Communicator
|
|
Leah Thomas
Intersectional Environmentalist
|
![]() |
Marla Blow
Senior Vice President of Mastercard Center for Inclu...
|