Monica Grady is not very concerned about the potential perils of scientific progress: “Concern has been expressed about advances in technology probably since the wheel was invented,” she says. Grady prefers to focus her attentions on loftier goals, like finding life beyond Earth.
Grady, a professor of planetary and space science at the Open University has worked on astrobiology, the chemistry of martian meteorites and the possibilities of life elsewhere in the cosmos. She was science advisor for the Ptolemy instrument on the Philae comet lander and is currently working with an international team to define the types of material a Mars Sample Return mission should bring back to Earth. Asteroid (4731) was named Monicagrady in her honour.
As part of our Scientists Meet the Media series, she talks to WIRED about life beyond Earth, Donald Trump, and, why we might need more science in soap operas.
Monica Grady on anti-science sentiment
I cannot explain why there is so much anti-science sentiment, especially as there are so many excellent TV programmes, books and websites available for people to learn from. The most recent publicity about the problem of plastic in the world’s oceans is a good example of how powerful the media can be in terms of influencing public opinion and government policy.
It really annoys me that high profile nay-sayers get so much publicity in the name of balance. This is specious, because there is so much evidence to indicate that, for example, climate change is happening, that vaccination is essential, and so on. Perhaps we need fewer glossy documentaries (although they are important) and more developing story-lines in soap operas. Or plant a scientist on Love Island...
On scientific breakthroughs
In my own field, I would like to see evidence for life beyond Earth – I think that would give people a lot to think about in terms of ethical and moral issues. It might even make us more cognisant of our own humanity. Which brings me to something that is much more grounded in reality and unfortunate necessity – inequities in access to healthcare across the globe.
If there could be some breakthrough in improvements in provision of clean drinking water and sanitation to areas of greatest need, then other beneficial effects follow – better overall health and greater uptake of educational opportunities.
On what she would say to Donald Trump
I am inclined to say that my conversation would probably be unprintable. However, remaining polite, I would ask him how he could be so blind to some of the most basic needs of the American people, particularly affordable healthcare for the poorest. Along with this, I would ask him about gun control and also the rise of violent right wing politics.
On the perils of AI
I suspect there are potential perils involved with the unconstrained development of AI, in the same way that there are perils involved in unconstrained development of human genetics research and so on. As application of AI becomes more widespread in industry, smart transport and smart cities, and a higher number of the public comes in to contact with the products of AI, then there has to be guidance to the AI community on acceptable boundaries and the moral and ethical issues that exist. This might reflect some of the debate that takes place around genomics, etcetera.
On the need for more women in science
Yes, I think if women played a full role, not just in science and technology, but in politics, law and big business, then the world would be different. I don’t think it is sexist to say that women often think in a different way from men. Perhaps there would be more debate and less confrontation. Maybe more focus on healthcare rather than warfare. I would like to think so anyway.
On our current health crisis
In an earlier question, I referred to the need for better access to clean water and sanitation, from which better health would naturally evolve. I think mental health issues are going to become much more pressing, especially with the increasing elderly population. Research in age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia is crucial.
Grady was among the guests at the recent Scientists Meet the Media reception at the Royal Society in London, which is organised with the Science Museum. The event was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Innovation and supported by the Association of British Science Writers and WIRED.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
