The Annals of Improbable Research (AIR) is often desribed as the Mad Magazine of Science. It is a bi-monthly magazine and an Internet Website. It is best known for hosting the "Ig Nobel" ceremony, honouring real scientists who have conducted funded research, yet whose achievements "cannot and should not be reproduced". The Best of Annals of Improbable Research (AIR) will cover the Ig Nobel Prizes, their history, some highlights, and the 1996 Awards. Additional material about "Big Science" will include contributions by actual Nobel Laureates and articles that treat real science with a wry spin. The Best of Annals of Improbable Research (AIR) closes with suggestions for education and teaching of science, underscoring the need for the educated person to understand some basic science and to nurture the natural curiosity of children when they encounter science. It is for anyone interested in science humour.
"Only the mad genius of Marc Abrahams could have sniffed out such insanely great stories."
- Ira Flatow, Talk of the Nation: Science Friday
"Even your spouse will finally realize what you do is fun"
- Richard Roberts, 1993 Nobel Prize Winner