Have you ever been part of an experiment? Maybe you have, without even realising it.

In fact, you almost certainly have.

When most people think of experiments, they imagine laboratories, test tubes and volunteers following carefully designed instructions. But sometimes scientists can learn just as much from real-world events over which they have no control.

In this episode of Talking of Science, Dr C and Helen are joined by health economist and researcher Frederik Plesner Lyngse to explore the fascinating world of natural experiments.

From tracking the spread of COVID-19 between households to studying a Danish lottery that determines where newly qualified doctors begin their careers, Frederik explains how researchers use real-life situations to answer questions that could never be investigated through conventional experiments. Along the way, we discover how evidence from natural experiments can help policymakers make difficult decisions when there is no perfect solution.

Expect pandemics, minks, statistics, politicians, randomisation, rural hospitals, personal data archives, career-defining lotteries, and some surprisingly deep discussion about whether dividing a chocolate scone equally between two siblings is always the fairest option.

Along the way, Dr C challenges a few economic assumptions, wonders whether politicians have something to do with pollen, and discovers that chance plays a bigger role in our lives than we might like to think.

To learn more about Frederik's research or get in touch, visit his website: Frederik Plesner Lyngse

Got a question for the show? We're always curious about the weird, wonderful and unexpected things you've been wondering about lately. Let us know and maybe we'll feature it in a future episode.

Email us at hello@talkingofscience.dk