Carl Zimmer

Mistina Hanscom

Carl Zimmer is the author of 15 books about science, including his latest book, "Air-borne." He writes the "Origins" column for The New York Times and has frequently contributed to magazines including The Atlantic, National Geographic, Time, and Scientific American. His journalism has earned numerous awards, from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academies of Science, Medicine, and Engineering. Zimmer is professor adjunct at Yale, where he teaches writing. 

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Awards: Guggenheim Fellow, Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2006, 2017, 2020, 2022); Online Journalism Award (2017, 2021); PEN/EO Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, (finalist 2018 & 2021); Ballie-Gifford Prize for Nonfiction (finalist 2018); American Association for the Advancement of Science Journalism Award (2004, 2009, 2012); The National Academies of Science, Medicine, and Engineering Communication Award (2007, 2018); the Stephen Jay Gould Prize (awarded by the Society for the Study of Evolution)

Invisible Forces: From Airborne Agents to Global Poisons

Join acclaimed science writers Carl Zimmer and Mariah Blake for a deep dive into the unseen forces that shape life on Earth—from airborne microbes to industrial toxins. Discover how science, policy and human choices collide in stories that matter for our future.

Science City - Main Stage (Seats 195)  
Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Science / Medicine / Technology
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Science City (following presentation)  

Panelists: Mariah Blake, Carl Zimmer
Moderator: Raina Maier
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of JoBob Hungate, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Literarium, Rincon Research Corporation

The Hidden Environment: What We Breathe, Drink and Hear

What’s in the air, water and soundscape around us? Join authors Carl Zimmer, Sharon Udasin and Chris Berdik as they reveal the surprising ways these unseen elements affect our bodies, our minds and our planet and share ideas for a healthier future.

Science City - Main Stage (Seats 195)  
Sun, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Science / Medicine / Technology
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Science City (following presentation)  

Panelists: Chris Berdik, Sharon Udasin, Carl Zimmer
Moderator: Sharon Megdal
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of JoBob Hungate, Roche Tissue Diagnostics

Books:

Air-Borne

The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe
Science / Medicine / Technology
Penguin Group
February 2025
ISBN 9780593473597
496 pages
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A Planet of Viruses

Third Edition
Science / Medicine / Technology
University of Chicago Press
March 2021
ISBN 9780226782591
147 pages
Buy now