Professors Mavalvala and Vitale discuss the science behind the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) on GBH’s Curiosity Desk - MIT Physics

Nobel Prize-winning scientist and MIT physicist Dr Nergis Mavalvala delivers remarks during the 10th Yohsin Lecture at Habib University in Karachi, September 25, 2026. — Habib University Nobel Prize-winning LIGO collaboration scientist and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) physicist Dr Nergis Mavalvala has called for greater investment in science and research, saying curiosity and access to opportunities are key to advancing knowledge. Mavalvala made the remarks while delivering the 10th Yohsin Lecture at Habib University in Karachi on Friday. Speaking about the importance of curiosity-driven research, she said some of the most consequential scientific discoveries began with questions that had no obvious practical use. “Every single person at birth is research-minded. The reason some of us get to do it in adulthood is opportunity,” she said. Mavalvala said research and science were areas where government investment could generate significant returns, stressing the importance of providing people with opportunities to pursue research.