• Question: What advice would you give to other childeren who want to be a scientist

    Asked by Matthew to Cedric, Carrie on 6 Mar 2017. This question was also asked by Roberto1.
    • Photo: Cedric Tan

      Cedric Tan answered on 6 Mar 2017:

      Work hard, find your passion in one discipline e.g. Chemistry or Biology and pursue it!

      Of course, always be curious, that’s a good trait for a scientist.

    • Photo: Carrie Ijichi

      Carrie Ijichi answered on 8 Mar 2017:

      Have an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you want to know something, be ready to think of a way to find the answer and then go for it. You’ve got to be determined and willing to keep going when things don’t work but most importantly – think for yourself.

      If you’re interested in becoming a scientist – you can do it

Comments

  • Photo: Rupert

    Rupert commented on :

    I agree with Cedric: try lots of areas, find your favourite, work hard and keep going. Plus gets lots of experience and maybe try out being a scientist. If you don’t have them already, you could ask you teacher about the getting a STEM Ambassador to visit your class. These are real scientists who can come and explain what it’s like being a scientist, or help run an experiment or just talk about how science is fun. Your teacher can find out more here: http://www.stemnet.org.uk/ambassadors/
    And once you’re 16, ask about the Nuffield summer scholarships – a chance to spend time helping a scientist for a few weeks in the summer: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements
    Your local university might have special schemes too – always worth asking: that’s what scientists do.
    Good luck!

  • Photo: Carrie

    Carrie commented on :

    Don’t be afraid to challenge existing ideas and want to find answers for yourself. Often we assume that something must be “right” because it’s what everyone says or because people smarter than us would have spotted if it was wrong. Don’t be afraid to think for yourself and to question and challenge assumptions. If you have an open, enquiring mind you’ll almost certainly find a subject or area that really lights up your brain – that’s the one! Read as much as you can and be willing to learn and you’re well on your way to becoming a scientist.