The phrase “better things for better living through chemistry” began life in 1935 as a DuPont advertising slogan–an enthusiastic expression of optimism about science, and its potential to solve virtually any human problem. It’s clear that without chemistry, the world would be a very different place. So why, out of all the sciences, is chemistry so little understood, and so often held in low regard by the public?

In this episode, a chemist explains chemistry's public relations problem, and why we need to put our faith in chemistry now, maybe more than ever.

Guests:

Eric J. Schelter, Professor of Chemistry

Madeleine M. Joullié, Professor of Chemistry (Emeritus)

Daniel J. Mindiola, Brush Family Professor of Chemistry and Graduate Chair

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Produced by Loraine Terrell

Narrated by Alex Schein

Edited by Alex Schein and Loraine Terrell

Interviews by Loraine Terrell

Theme music by Nicholas Escobar, C'18

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Illustration and logo by Dan Lee

In These Times is a production of Penn Arts & Sciences. Visit our series website to learn more and listen to the first two seasons of In These Times. 

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