Prof. Gregory Petsko - A life driven by the courage to take risks, remaining curious, and serving a greater purpose

In this episode of OPEN ears, Harvard Professor and National Medal of Science recipient Gregory Petsko joins the conversation with our host Hanane Fathi Roswall. Drawing on a remarkable career spanning classical literature, biochemistry, and neurobiology, Petsko shares his insights into scientific innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. The conversation explores his unpredictable life path – from trying (unsuccessfully) to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War to changing course to Oxford and later, at the age of 55, embarking on the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Petsko offers a sharp, clear-eyed critique of today’s AI hype, drawing historical parallels to the 19th-century railway bubble and explaining why cui bono (“who benefits?”) is the most important question to ask. He also discusses the dangers of perfectionism, the importance of a broad humanities education for the technologists of the future, and how simple metaphors can unlock groundbreaking scientific solutions. A thought-provoking episode about having the courage to take risks, remaining curious throughout life, and finding meaning in serving a greater purpose.