• Question: Are there any other fields of science that you are interrested in and would you change your profession if you enjoy in more?

    Asked by sambarnwell to Chris, Emily, Martin, Natalie, Tamsin on 24 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Chris Cooper

      Chris Cooper answered on 24 Mar 2010:

      I actually quite liked mathematical modelling of biology – actually not too different to what Martin and the (departed) Natalie do. Letting the computer do the work rather than the experimenter! The wonder of my current profession is that a few years ago without changing my job, I did get a chance to do this. So I am modelling brain metabolism as we speak.

      In terms of a real change though I think I would have liked to see what it would have been like to work in industry (probably a pharmaceutical company like Glaxo). I think the different culture would have been interesting. In fact contrary to what you might think my industry friends tell me they collaborate more easily with their colleagues than I do with mine at a university. That’s because companies hav a single goal – make a new product to get money – and all university professors think differently (and hence fight with each other).

    • Photo: Martin Coath

      Martin Coath answered on 25 Mar 2010:

      Hi Sam

      There are some researchers who are totally sold on their own subjects. I am not one of those!

      The universe is just fascinating, and if I got the chance to explore some other aspect of it then I would jump at it.

      I get the chance to help with ecology field trips sometimes. The science around managing and preserving coastlines and woodlands is very important stuff and we have a lot more to learn. Plus, you get the chance to spend lots of time outside doing fieldwork. Love it!

      My brother, who is also a scientist, is involved in a project run by NASA to collect and analyze stardust collected from the sun – the first time anyone has handled material collected directy from the sun. That is also pretty COOL!

      There are masses of things to learn, mysteries to solve in the universe, fascinating systems to study and understand. It is a privelidge to get a shot at just one of them. I don’t want to be too greedy 🙂

Comments