• Question: Evaluate why being a scientist would benefit the younger population?

    Asked by bones to Jamie, Jodie, Kat, Mark, Niamh on 19 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Niamh Nic Daeid

      Niamh Nic Daeid answered on 16 Mar 2011:

      Hi Bones

      Science and scientific research as helped shape our society and development for centuries. If you look back over history some of the most significant scientific developments were made by younger scientists who bring imagination and new ideas into the subject. So science can really benefit from the enthusiasm and energy that the younger population can bring.

    • Photo: Jamie Pringle

      Jamie Pringle answered on 16 Mar 2011:

      Hello again bones,

      An understanding of science, how it works and what the benefits can be is a real plus point for people to understand – a lot of the media, in my view, use one scare story after another to sell papers – whereas if you had some knowledge about the subject, e.g. GM crops, only 1 moon for the Earth(!), how earthquakes work etc., then you would be a) less worried and b) understand concepts a lot more. A few thoughts anyway.

    • Photo: Katherine Davies

      Katherine Davies answered on 17 Mar 2011:

      Hi

      We always need scientists, to solve problems. For example, the radiation leak in Japan. If we didnt know how to stop the leak (because of physics/chemistry), many people would die. Without science, we also wouldnt know how to get energy from nuclear fuel in the first place!

      There is always the need for new technology, ideas, and research – we rely on younger generations to take over when we die!

    • Photo: Mark Hill

      Mark Hill answered on 19 Mar 2011:

      Hello Bones,

      I think that a by-product of being a scientist, or working within scientific disciplines, is being able to lecture to young people on my role, how it relates to practical applications and how my science discipline is accessible to students.

      The benefit is a two-way equation – young people are hopefully enthused and inspired to follow science interests. The scientists also have an opportunity to show case their area of work and create early interest in the scientists of tomorrow, who may add to their particular field.

      Mark.

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