Watch Carlo Burton's Nobel Prize winner Richard Ernst "Science Dharma = Social Responsibility"
- NR
- 2009
- 45 min
Richard Ernst was a Swiss chemist who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1991 for his contributions to the development of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. In the 2009 documentary film "Carlo Burton's Nobel Prize Winner Richard Ernst: Science + Dharma = Social Responsibility," Ernst reflects on his life's work and shares his views on the intersection of science, spirituality, and social responsibility.
The film opens with a montage of Ernst's early years in Switzerland, including footage of him as a young boy fascinated by the natural world around him. We then see him as a student at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where he began to develop an interest in NMR spectroscopy and its potential applications in chemistry.
Ernst takes us through his groundbreaking work in the field of NMR, which involved developing new techniques for measuring atomic and molecular structures with unprecedented precision. He explains the intricacies of NMR spectroscopy in layman's terms, using diagrams and models to help viewers understand how it works.
Throughout the film, Ernst weaves his scientific expertise with his Buddhist beliefs, revealing how he sees science as a means of unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and understanding our place within it. He reflects on the importance of humility and curiosity in both science and spirituality, and discusses how his practice of meditation has helped him stay grounded and focused throughout his career.
But Ernst's message doesn't stop there. He also emphasizes the importance of using our scientific knowledge and technological advancements to promote social responsibility and protect the planet. He speaks poignantly about the dangers of climate change and the urgent need for collective action to address this crisis.
The film includes interviews with several of Ernst's colleagues, who praise him for his scientific achievements as well as his dedication to promoting ethical and socially responsible research practices. They also discuss Ernst's efforts to encourage the next generation of scientists to think critically about the impact of their work on society and the environment.
Overall, "Carlo Burton's Nobel Prize Winner Richard Ernst: Science + Dharma = Social Responsibility" is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that showcases the brilliant mind of Richard Ernst and his passion for bringing together science and spirituality in service of the greater good. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and social responsibility.