Zafra Lerman 'We only have one nationality, it's science '

A remarkable woman is Andy Lopata's guest in this week's podcast. Zafra Lerman is a Doctor of Chemistry, five times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, recipient of the Presidential Award from President Clinton, honoured four times by the US Congress and winner of countless awards globally, particularly for her work on human rights. Her innovative approach to teaching science to under-privileged and homeless students developed when Zafra realised that she had to teach science in a way that was relevant to their life. She introduced art, music, dance and rap into lessons and assessments were informal demonstrations of the students' knowledge in any way they wanted. Zafra tells wonderful stories to illustrate her vision and her life's work. These include stories of her time in Russia and China with dissidents of those regimes and her efforts to broker peace in the Middle East through silent diplomacy. She organised the Malta Conference, inviting Nobel Prize winners and scientists from fifteen countries including Iran, Bahrein, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine and Israel. This conference has now been held annually for the last ten years. A fascinating insight into a lifetime dedicated to help the under-privileged and homeless. To promote science, fight for human rights and to try to broker peace in troubled parts of the world particularly the Middle East.