Seemingly pointless scientific research can lead to extraordinary discoveries, says physicist Suzie Sheehy. In a talk and tech demo, she shows how many of our modern technologies are tied to centuries-old, curiosity-driven experiments -- and makes the case for investing in more to arrive at a deeper understanding of the world.

As Dr Suzie Sheehy explains, the conveniences of our modern lives owe much to curiosity-driven research. In this entertaining talk, she celebrates the virtue of seemingly pointless scientific research that leads to extraordinary discoveries, which underpin the technologies on which our lives depend. Evoking the words of celebrated English physic...