How universities shape global science through the world and decades

The book "Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production," written by Profs. Justin JW Powell from the University of Luxembourg and David P. Baker from Pennsylvania State University, explores how cutting-edge scientific research, driven by research universities and global collaborations, profoundly shapes our world. Its relevance is clear: scientific advancements not only yield breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and environmental sustainability but also influence policies that improve public health, education, and social well-being. The book showcases how universities have historically propelled scientific progress, supported by the continuous rise of education. As we face unprecedented global challenges, understanding the evolution of science, and its relationship to education, equips us to harness its transformative potential for a better future. This interview with the authors David P. Baker and Justin J.W. Powell reviews key findings from Global Mega-Science (Stanford University Press, 2024).