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Culture, history and society

Culture, history and society

Exploring the philosophical, historical and sociological dimensions of physics, researchers ponder their return to the lab as lockdowns lift

28 May 2020 Hamish Johnston

This episode features the philosopher of science and Physics World columnist Bob Crease in conversation with Matin Durrani – who has edited Crease’s Critical Point column since its inception 20 years ago.

Crease explains how he finds inspiration for his columns from both his personal experiences and by interacting with Physics World readers. He also talks about the highs and lows of writing the column, including an embarrassing early-morning appearance on BBC radio.

Thankfully, it looks like some countries are at the point of relaxing COVID-19 restrictions and allowing some people to go back to work. But how will experimental physicists go back to their labs, and what will working conditions be like with some social distancing rules still in place?

Physics World’s Margaret Harris is on hand to chat about the challenges of returning to the lab and explains how one group in France is managing the transition.

Two members of the French team have written a Physics in the Pandemic blog for Physics World and Harris also talks about how this series of articles has chronicled how physicists around the globe have adapted to the pandemic.

This podcast is sponsored by Teledyne Hastings Instruments.

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