Discovery lights up the world
WThanks to emerging tools in artificial intelligence, machine learning, space telescopes and more, it's clear that we are only just beginning to understand the universe we live in—from the furthest reaches of space to the smallest quivering particles that we now know can be in two places at once.
In my lifetime alone, scientists have made enormous advances in the way we treat and manage disease, and in the way we see and understand the natural world and the universe. Every time we take a closer look at the world around us, we make discoveries. Schmidt Sciences' programs focus on exploring the depths of space at higher resolution than ever before, finding biomaterials to replace fossil fuel products, and striving to understand, apply and secure the technologies that are transforming our world.
From sea to space
The ocean is our planet's final frontier, and there are as many opportunities for discovery at sea as there are in space. These two domains, Earth and space, understood together, constitute the human environment that we increasingly need to understand and protect. It is our life support system and we seek knowledge and discovery wherever it may be found.
Our climate group explores how human activities affect our planet and how the planet strives to maintain balance in all its systems, including the ocean, through the cycling of carbon and other important elements. And our field of activity in the field of astrophysics and space is the development of ground and space technologies to find answers about our Universe. As far apart as these two arenas may seem—the ocean and space—our teams share a similar approach and spirit. They ask the most important questions, stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration, apply new technologies and accelerate discovery. They also make their research as accessible as possible and incorporate local and community science.
Collaboration and curiosity
There is a rich history of collaboration and technology sharing between astronomers and oceanographers, even between our national agencies involved in each science. With their activities likely to be curtailed, there is enormous concern about data loss and interruption of research, especially longitudinal research, in which we risk losing the work of generations of scientists. That's why Schmidt Sciences and our other science-focused charities are working to find ways to preserve data and, where possible, ensure important work continues.
And while the challenges are many—from a changing planet to the possibility of another pandemic, securing funding for important research, and losing accumulated scientific data—we know that science will not stop. Science offers us a constant source of awe and hope for the answers we, as a species, so persistently seek: Why are we here? How did life begin and how can it continue?
Main photo: Ben Gibbs.
