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