Jennifer Vail

Jennifer Vail is a scientist who studies one of the most fundamental yet overlooked forces in our daily lives - friction. Her groundbreaking research reveals how this ubiquitous physical phenomenon extends far beyond simple mechanics to influence countless aspects of human experience and technological advancement.

At TED 2019, Vail delivered her acclaimed talk "The science of friction - and its surprising impact on our lives," where she illuminated the hidden role friction plays in everything from the shoes we wear to the technologies we depend on. Her work demonstrates how understanding friction at a deeper level can lead to innovations in materials science, product design, and even human behavior.

Through her research, Vail bridges the gap between complex scientific principles and practical applications, showing audiences how fundamental physics concepts directly impact their everyday experiences in ways they never considered.