Stuart Firestein

Stuart Firestein

Keynote Speaker: Neuroscientist & Professor of Biological Sciences at Columbia University; Advocate for the Public Understanding of Science

Stuart Firestein Biography

Stuart Firestein is a neuroscientist and professor of biological sciences at Columbia University, where he previously served as chair of the department. Firestein is known for research on the vertebrate olfactory system, with his laboratory contributing to the understanding of how the brain processes smell. His work uses olfaction as a model for broader principles of neural signaling and perception. Firestein has authored more than 100 scientific publications, including studies that provided experimental evidence confirming the function of odor receptors in olfactory sensory neurons.

In addition to his laboratory research, Firestein is an advocate for science communication and public engagement. He is the author of the books "Ignorance: How It Drives Science" and "Failure: Why Science Is So Successful," which have been translated into multiple languages and are used in university and high school curricula. Firestein’s public lectures and media appearances, including features on NPR, BBC, Wired, and Scientific American, emphasize the roles of uncertainty, failure, and questioning in scientific progress. He has served as an advisor to the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science program and contributed to science policy and interdisciplinary initiatives at Columbia and other institutions.

Firestein has received honors such as the Lenfest Distinguished Columbia Faculty Award, fellowships from the AAAS, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Guggenheim Foundation, and has held leadership roles on advisory boards for scientific and cultural organizations. His presentations and thought leadership highlight the creative and iterative nature of scientific discovery and the importance of embracing the unknown in neuroscience and science education.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Stuart Firestein and other top speakers and celebrities.

Stuart Firestein Videos

How failure can be a path into the unimaginable | Stuart Firestein | TEDx
Stuart Firestein: The pursuit of ignorance

How do I book Stuart Firestein to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Stuart Firestein for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Stuart Firestein, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Stuart Firestein or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Stuart Firestein for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Stuart Firestein, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Stuart Firestein, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Stuart Firestein speak about?

Stuart Firestein is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Science, Neuroscience, Author, Inspirational, Innovation, Health & Wellness, Nutrition, TED, Culture, Leadership, Biology, Art & Design, Photography, Thought Leadership and Disruptive Thinking.

Where does Stuart Firestein travel from?

Stuart Firestein generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Stuart Firestein?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Stuart Firestein for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Stuart Firestein for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Stuart Firestein or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Stuart Firestein is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Technology, Science and Neuroscience. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stuart Firestein for live events is Below $10,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Stuart Firestein generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ray Kurzweil, Daniel Dennett and Dr. Paul Wolpe. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stuart Firestein for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 24/09/2025.

Stuart Firestein Videos

How failure can be a path into the unimaginable | Stuart Firestein | TEDx
Stuart Firestein: The pursuit of ignorance

Stuart Firestein Reviews

  • Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi - Apr 30 2025

  • Stuart is a passionate presenter. The only issue was that he ran long during both the speech and the workshop. However, our students remained very engaged. We only wish there was more time for Q&A!
    Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, University of Pennsylvania - Feb 13 2025

  • How do I book Stuart Firestein to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Stuart Firestein for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Stuart Firestein, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Stuart Firestein or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Stuart Firestein for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Stuart Firestein, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Stuart Firestein, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Stuart Firestein speak about?

    Stuart Firestein is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Science, Neuroscience, Author, Inspirational, Innovation, Health & Wellness, Nutrition, TED, Culture, Leadership, Biology, Art & Design, Photography, Thought Leadership and Disruptive Thinking.
  • Where does Stuart Firestein travel from?

    Stuart Firestein generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Stuart Firestein?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Stuart Firestein for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Stuart Firestein for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Stuart Firestein or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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