Science in the City

The concentration of people in urban areas could prove to be a good thing for scientists and the scientific fields, and how the increasing concentration of scientists can be good for cities.

"Cities are also home to considerable scientific capital; they hold most of the world's top universities and the vast majority of its researchers. This week, Nature examines that special relationship between scientists and cities and how each can bring out the best in the other. The resources that cities offer can stimulate outstanding science for reasons that researchers are just starting to explore. On the other side of the equation, scientists can assist cities in tackling their biggest problems. The Nobel laureate Mario Molina sets a good example, having redirected his research to improving the environment in Mexico City, one of the world's biggest megacities."