WEEKLY WHINE

Neil deGrasse Tyson honoured as first Scientist Laureate

We here at GoobNet are pleased to introduce Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson as Scientist Laureate, the first to hold that post. As Scientist Laureate, Dr Tyson is the most prominent public voice for the advancement of science and mathematics in our society.

Dr Tyson received the largest share of votes amongst the three finalists, who also included Prof Stephen Hawking and the Rev Sir Doctor Stephen T Mos Def Colbert, DFA. During the campaign, though, discussions on the nominees frequently returned to three themes: Dr Tyson’s origins, his emergence as a cult figure, and his unrelenting advocacy for scientific discovery.

ORIGINS

Dr Tyson is a New York native and the child of two scientists. He attended the Bronx High School of Science, a prominent New York City magnet school. Reviewers cited him as an example of an important scientist who hails from an inner city, and we certainly agree that residing in New York City is an impediment for someone who wants to become an astronomer.

Reviewers also pointed out the fact that the young Neil was recruited by Prof Carl Sagan, the longtime Cornell University astrophysicist. Though Tyson eventually chose to attend Harvard, he has named Prof Sagan as a lasting influence on his life, particularly when it was announced that he would host an updated version of Prof Sagan’s famous Cosmos series.

CULT FOLLOWING

Dr Tyson has become well known through his many media appearances, most prominently his time as host of the PBS science magazine programme Nova Science Now and his visits to The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

In fact, his appearance on The Daily Show last week, his first act as Scientist Laureate, was a smashing success. He launched a new recurring segment, “Buzzkill of Science”, featuring the following exchange:

SCIENTIFIC ADVOCACY

Finally, reviewers repeatedly identified Dr Tyson as a leading voice in favour of science, science education, and exploration of space. They often pointed to his testimony in front of the US Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee last year, in which he argued passionately for the Congress to increase NASA’s budget.

Dr Tyson also speaks frequently on the importance of science literacy and science education. A number of his podcast appearances have touched on the subject, and this interview with The Humanist addresses the topic in most interesting fashion.

For these reasons and for many others, Dr Tyson was the choice for the first Scientist Laureate. We are sure that he will be extraordinarily successful in this role.