“Eureka!” – Sudden discoveries, and how they happen.

by Matteo Cavalli-Sforza (IFAE)

Wednesday 13 Jan 2021, 13:00 → 14:00 Europe/Madrid

IFAE Virtual Seminar Room (IFAE)

According to legend, Archimedes (287-212 BC) got so excited by the discovery of the principle named after him that he got out of his bath and ran naked through Syracuse shouting “Eureka!” (“I found it”). In time, the word Eureka became synonymous with unexpected, sudden discoveries.

The history of science is full of Eureka moments. I find it fascinating that in several cases we may guess – sometimes we are even told – how the discoverer came up with the crucial idea. I will review a few such cases.

How do Eureka moments come about? From deep reflection, or sudden inspiration?
Does the environment matter? Do we all have Eureka moments? What happens in our brain at that time? I will try to briefly answer these questions, indulging in a little bit of speculation.

Link to Zoom