• Question: what advice would you give us if we wanted to become a scienctist??

    Asked by anon-217579 to Savannah, Philippe, Lucy, Joanna, Harrison, Edoardo on 10 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Harrison Prosper

      Harrison Prosper answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Whatever science you end up doing, try to learn as much mathematics as you can. Why? Because all the sciences are becoming more and more mathematical. What matters is not so much the details of the mathematics, but rather the way of reasoning. But, please, please, please, do not neglect the arts. Read, read, read, and read; write, write, write, and write! The result of scientific research is a scientific essay (aka, a paper). There is a lot of awful scientific writing today because too many of my colleagues failed to take writing seriously. Also, remember, you will be doing science on behalf of your fellow citizens and you need to explain to them in plain, but precise, English what you are doing. Why? Firstly, because it is the right thing to do. And, secondly, because, unless you become super-rich, they will be the ones paying for the science you will be doing.

    • Photo: Savannah Clawson

      Savannah Clawson answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Stay inquisitive – always question the world around you and trust evidence over words (I think this is becoming more and more important in today’s society). Don’t let anyone tell you that science isn’t for you. Work hard at science and maths subjects at school but also find other ways to learn about science such as reading popular science books and watching YouTube channels like SciShow, Veritasium and VSauce. Most importantly, have fun! If you really don’t enjoy what you are doing, then it probably isn’t right for you.

    • Photo: Joanna Huang

      Joanna Huang answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Hmm, I would say, keep asking questions whenever you have them, and never ever give up. If you find that you like something, then give it your 100% to learn more about that topic. Read in your own time, chat with your family and friends, and reach out in events like this where you can chat with scientists! And also, remember to take a break here and there, so you can come back with a fresh mind.

    • Photo: Edoardo Vescovi

      Edoardo Vescovi answered on 10 Jun 2019: last edited 12 Jun 2019 9:51 am

      For now, it is very important to be familiar with math as the language spoken in science. Find time for reading science topics and know a little of everything at least. You have access to many resources online, not to mention books, as well as forums, where people in the field discuss and share ideas and explanations. With nothing of this, no questions to make and less choices to choose from. Stay in touch with someone in science — school professor or relative — to periodically check you’re on track.

      For later, ask yourself if this is what you really want to do: pastime or passion that makes a big part of your life? A chat with someone in science and outside your circle of friends definitely helps. Eventually it’s up to you.

      If you go for it, find the science that interests you and find out what school/university is to attend. Don’t limit to the UK, go abroad and stay out as much as possible. Stay inquisitive and find a good advisor/older colleague that shows you the ropes. It’s not all about learning though: personal ability, self-discipline, hard work and social skills do the rest — and this rest is a big piece of the cake because science is a job. Stay focused and don’t give up.

    • Photo: Philippe Gambron

      Philippe Gambron answered on 12 Jun 2019:

      Don’t let them scare you! Science can look intimidating or tedious but, once you get comfortable with it, it’s awesome. It’s a creative process. It’s like playing (although you will have to forever learn about complicated things). So just hang on and go for it if you want to do so. It’s not that difficult.

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