Interview with Dustin Clausen

Dustin Clausen is an associate professor in Copenhagen university, working in algebraic K-theory, homotopy theory and number theory. In this interview, Dustin shares controversial opinions on publishing and grant system, tells about his view on leaving academia, and reproduces very vividly a Tarantino style plot of an interrogation in Moscow, for stealing cookies! P.S. Dustin would like to assure the viewers that he did not steal any cookies. Dustin's homepage: https://www.math.ku.dk/english/staff/faculty/?pure=en%2Fpersons%2F467008 Photo: from Copenhagen University webpage 0:00​ teasing teaser 0:40​ French high school shock 5:04​ being grandson of John Tate 8:00​ doubts about academic career 9:38​ alternative career options 11:01​ opinions too negative to share 13:41​ disappointments of grad school 15:01​ giving a satisfying math talk is impossible 17:01​ decision to stay in academia 19:56​ publishing is a rotten enterprise 23:51​ struggles of refereeing 26:27​ mistakes in talks and papers 31:10​ my first impression of Dustin 33:17​ numbers and homotopies 36:25​ Mike Hopkins is the best 40:40​ Jacob Lurie as PhD advisor 44:11​ not understanding is great 47:44​ reading and writing math papers 51:17​ “Math in Moscow”: thrilling story 57:00​ doing math when you have babies 59:04​ distributing grants equally 01:01:02​ how to not be afraid of job market 01:03:18​ funny reaction to saying you’re doing math 01:05:23​ kind words for those who feel demotivated