Neuroscientist & Professor of Biological Sciences at Columbia University; Advocate for the Public Understanding of Science

New York, NY, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Stuart Firestein Biography

Stuart Firestein is a neuroscientist and professor of biological sciences at Columbia University, where he previously served as chair of the department. Firestein is known for research on the vertebrate olfactory system, with his laboratory contributing to the understanding of how the brain processes smell. His work uses olfaction as a model for broader principles of neural signaling and perception. Firestein has authored more than 100 scientific publications, including studies that provided experimental evidence confirming the function of odor receptors in olfactory sensory neurons.

In addition to his laboratory research, Firestein is an advocate for science communication and public engagement. He is the author of the books "Ignorance: How It Drives Science" and "Failure: Why Science Is So Successful," which have been translated into multiple languages and are used in university and high school curricula. Firestein’s public lectures and media appearances, including features on NPR, BBC, Wired, and Scientific American, emphasize the roles of uncertainty, failure, and questioning in scientific progress. He has served as an advisor to the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science program and contributed to science policy and interdisciplinary initiatives at Columbia and other institutions.

Firestein has received honors such as the Lenfest Distinguished Columbia Faculty Award, fellowships from the AAAS, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Guggenheim Foundation, and has held leadership roles on advisory boards for scientific and cultural organizations. His presentations and thought leadership highlight the creative and iterative nature of scientific discovery and the importance of embracing the unknown in neuroscience and science education.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/24/2025.

Stuart Firestein Videos

How failure can be a path into the unimaginable | Stuart Firestein | TEDx

How failure can be a path into the unimaginable | Stuart Firestein | TEDx

Stuart Firestein, PhD is a Neuroscientist  and Professor of Biological Sciences at Columbia University, in his talks he shares how across history...

Stuart Firestein: The pursuit of ignorance

Stuart Firestein: The pursuit of ignorance

What does real scientific work look like? As neuroscientist Stuart Firestein jokes: It looks a lot less like the scientific method and a lot more...

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  • What topics does Stuart Firestein speak about?

    Stuart Firestein is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Biology, Culture, Disruptive Thinking, Health & Wellness, Innovation, Inspirational, Leadership, Neuroscience, Nutrition, Photography, Science, Technology, TED, Thought Leadership
  • Where does Stuart Firestein travel from?

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Stuart Firestein is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stuart Firestein for your event is available upon request. Stuart Firestein generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Malcolm Gladwell, Ray Kurzweil, Daniel Dennett, Dr. Paul Wolpe and Jonathan Haidt. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stuart Firestein for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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