IDEAS Boston Lectures

Boston, MA

Martin Wattenberg: Turning Words into Pictures
Martin Wattenberg
October 30, 2008
00:18:06
Martin Wattenberg describes his work in transforming data into evocative charts and graphs that are as informative as they are arresting.
Paul Watanabe: Challenging Immigrant Invisibilty
Paul Watanabe
October 30, 2008
00:24:50
Paul Watanabe talks about his family’s experience in an internment camp during World War II and suggests that one way to challenge invisibility and exclusion would be to give non-citizen immigrants the right to vote in local elections. This lecture is part of the 2008 IDEAS Boston conference.
Life Beyond Earth?
Sara Seager
October 30, 2008
00:19:20
Sara Seager says that there is life beyond Earth. What’s more, she predicts that we will detect its biosignature on planets beyond our solar system in her lifetime.
Daniel Schrag: Geoengineering
Daniel Schrag
October 30, 2008
00:26:04
Geochemist Daniel Schrag argues that climate change is actually far worse than people are led to believe. Locally, he suggests a feasible project to raise the height of the Charles River Dam, providing Boston with additional protection in the event of future storm flooding and sea-level rise.
Space Suit: The World's Smallest Spacecraft
Dava J. Newman
October 30, 2008
00:23:36
Dava Newman describes and demonstrates her innovative custom-fitted space suit, which combines science, engineering, and art, and gives astronauts greater mobility while conserving energy as they explore the surface of the moon or Mars.
NOTES: Incision-Free Surgery
David Rattner
October 30, 2008
00:20:32
David Rattner talks about his belief that an emerging scar-free surgical technique that accesses diseased organs through the body’s orifices can transform health care to the benefit of patients everywhere.
Space Suit: The World's Smallest Spacecraft
Dava J. Newman
October 30, 2008
00:23:36
Dava Newman describes and demonstrates her innovative custom-fitted space suit, which combines science, engineering, and art, and gives astronauts greater mobility while conserving energy as they explore the surface of the moon or Mars.
Lisa Randall: String Theory, Multiple Dimensions
Lisa Randall
October 7, 2005
00:24:32
Lisa Randall discusses her research which focuses on string theory and the idea that there are multiple dimensions in space. Professor of physics at Harvard University, Randall discusses her research which focuses on string theory and the idea that there are multiple dimensions in space.
Audio-only
It’s Complicated: The American Teenager
Robin Bowman
October 30, 2008
00:19:48
Robin Bowman shares the story of her four-year journey to capture the essence of today’s youth: 22,000 miles, 419 interviews, and countless photographs of teenagers from many backgrounds and regions.
Meet the Director: Julie Taymor
Julie Taymor
June 8, 2004
00:23:53
Julie Taymor describes her experience with such international hits as The Lion King and Frida.Theater, film and opera director Julie Taymor's most recent film, Frida, garnered six Oscar nominations and two Oscar Awards.
Adding Years to Your Life
Leonard P. Guarente
June 7, 2004
00:16:33
Dr. Guarente discusses his research, which focuses on issues surrounding aging. Leonard P. Guarente has written numerous papers and books, the latest of which, Ageless Quest, was published in 2003.
Boston IDEAS 2005: Roland Fryer Jr.
Roland Fryer Jr.
October 7, 2005
00:19:24
Roland Fryer, economic and social theorist, discusses his rigorous analysis and consideration of the African American experience.

IDEAS Boston's mission is to promote innovation and contribute to the economic vitality and competitiveness of the region. Through a unique conference, dissemination of new ideas after the event, and connecting cutting-edge thinkers across sectors, IDEAS Boston serves as an important resource to individual innovators throughout the community, and from a civic perspective helps to build the region's brand as a hub of innovation attractive to businesses, college students, and workers.

The core of IDEAS Boston is an annual conference where leading innovators present their latest (or sometimes their next) big ideas in a fast-paced format that combines succinct and lively presentations, artistic breaks, and time for networking and discussion. This cross-fertilization across sectors provides the ingredients for additional innovation and creative breakthroughs.

IDEAS Boston was created by The Boston Globe in 2004. After successful events in 2004 and 2005, IDEAS Boston was reorganized as a non-profit organization in 2006. Beginning with the 2007 conference, IDEAS Boston has operated with MassINC (The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth) as its fiscal agent.

IDEAS Boston has a track record for attracting top quality speakers and a diverse audience. Whether the outcomes from IDEAS Boston conferences are new ideas individuals use in taking their own work in different directions, or enabling diverse thought leaders to forge new networks, this conference is providing the fertile ground so important for fostering innovation.
IDEAS Boston