Exploring the nature of science through courage and purpose: a case study of Nikolai Vavilov and plant biodiversity

INTRODUCTION: Historical biographies facilitate teaching the ‘nature of science’. This case study focuses on how Nikolai Vavilov’s unrelenting sense of purpose, courage, and charismatic personality was maintained during violent revolutionary change in Russia. CASE DESCRIPTION: The rediscovery of Gregor Mendel’s laws of inheritance provided Vavilov with a scientific foundation for crop improvement, this foundation was later bolstered by Vavilov’s personal drive to conserve plant biodiversity. As he advanced theories and pragmatic approaches for genetic improvement and conservation of plants, political leaders in Russian came to reject Mendel’s principles and eventually Vavilov’s work. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: This rejection occurred because Joseph Stalin was desperate for a quick remedy to the famine and suffering from forced collective agriculture. Vavilov’s work continued, modernizing Russian crop research while inspiring other scientists to save seeds stored in the world’s first gene bank. Three themes illustrating the nature of science help examine Vavilov’s life: explaining natural phenomena, uncompromising human endeavor, and revising scientific knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The case study concludes with four questions to stimulate student inquiry and self-guided research. They also deepen student understanding of Vavilov’s personal sacrifices to ensure use and conservation of plant biodiversity.