This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Chronic disease researcher Dr. Kamala Patel shares how there’s actually no such thing as truth in science. For Patel, scientific research isn’t about arriving at a truth but taking a journey of knowledge. She challenges us to ask not about finding truth but instead, looking for possibilities in what we already know.



Discovery comes from disruptive thinking and for Dr. Kamala D. Patel, PhD, this approach has guided her work in the area of inflammation and chronic disease over the last 25 years.

She is a Professor in the Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

She studies the human immune system, namely how white blood cells play into chronic diseases such as asthma. Dr. Patel is known for making an important discovery around the movement of white blood cells and she has received more than 5,500 citations for her research.

She is the Director of the Optical Imaging and Synthesis (OPTIS) Laboratories that provide both Canadian and international researchers with cutting edge microscopy tools to study acute and chronic diseases.

Dr. Patel is also the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and a member of the Executive Board of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. She completed two terms as a Canada Research Chair and is currently an Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions Medical Scientist. She is also a member of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research Team on Chronic Inflammation in the Lung.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)