Annals Of Improbable Research

Annals of Improbable Research (AIR) is a bimonthly magazine devoted to scientific humor, in the form of a satirical take on the world of research, scholarship, and education. It is best known for organizing the Ig Nobel Prize, an annual event that celebrates unusual, imaginative, and trivial achievements in scientific research. The aim of AIR and the Ig Nobel Prizes is to "first make people laugh, and then make them think."

History

The magazine was founded in 1994, succeeding the Journal of Irreproducible Results, which was created in 1955. The transition to AIR was led by Marc Abrahams, who became the editor and a co-founder of the magazine. The publication seeks to highlight research that may seem bizarre or amusing on the surface, yet when explored further, prompts reflection on the scientific process and the pursuit of knowledge.

Content

AIR publishes a wide range of material, including genuine research articles, spoof research, speculative essays, and humorous reports. Topics can range from the physics of spaghetti breaking to the aerodynamics of potato chips. Each issue also features the AIR Vents (letters from readers), the AIR Research Reviews, and the Puzzling Solutions section, among others.

Ig Nobel Prizes

The Ig Nobel Prize ceremony is held every year at Harvard University and is a highlight of the magazine's calendar. The prizes are awarded for achievements that "first make people laugh, and then make them think." Winners have included both genuine and humorous research, spanning a wide array of disciplines from biology to economics.

Reception

The Annals of Improbable Research has received a mixed reception from the scientific community. Some researchers appreciate the humor and the light it sheds on the scientific process, while others criticize it for potentially undermining the public's understanding or appreciation of science. Despite this, AIR has maintained a loyal readership and has been influential in promoting a more accessible and entertaining view of scientific research.

See Also

• Scientific humor
• Ig Nobel Prize
• Journal of Irreproducible Results
• Science communication

External Links

• Official website of the Annals of Improbable Research

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