A Conversation About The Endless Frontier

“We cannot know how discovery will lead to new possibilities.”

Explore the importance of scientific research, the challenges faced by scientists, and the future of scientific discovery through the lens of the documentary The Endless Frontier, featuring insights from executive producer Dr. Aaron Mertz.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The Endless Frontier documentary and how it got stared
• Why research and scientific discovery are important
• The current landscape of research and funding in the United States
• How to advocate for the advancement of research, scientific discovery, and continued funding for projects

(0:00) Introduction to the documentary and its significance
(1:05) How the documentary aims to reveal the invisible system of science
(4:21) Why research is unpredictable and the ecosystem of discovery
(5:31) Examples of research breakthroughs benefiting society
(7:06) The impact of federal funding on scientific progress
(8:29) What viewers should take away about the human side of science
(10:11) Upcoming screenings and community engagement
(11:34) How the public can support and advocate for science
(12:44) Future directions and opportunities in scientific research

Resources:

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s research
• Share your support for research funding in the United States
• The Endless Frontier (documentary website)

Disclosures: This episode was produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible in part by support from American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Its contents are solely the responsibility of AAFA and the guest speakers, and do not necessarily represent the official views of the sponsors.

Our guest, Aaron Mertz, PhD, biophysicist, science-policy leader, is the founder and Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program, and the executive producer of The Endless Frontier.