About this book
This book provides guidance to those who are contemplating a career in scientific research and those who are already engaged in the profession. Aiming to provoke thoughtful, active discussion among students and researchers, the author describes the philosophy of the scientific method and the training and attributes needed for a successful career in research. The text discusses the influence that managerialism has had on scientific organizations and proposes how these influences can be replaced by leadership, which is more appropriate for nurturing the creativity of scientists. The book also profiles the careers of individual scientists in order to glean insight into their success.
Contents
Introduction
Motivation and Requisites for a Research Career
Early Interest and a Simple Research Problem
Importance of Combining Study with Experimentation
References
Scientific Training and Personal Development
University Qualifications
Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degrees
Research Ph.D. versus Combined Research and Course Work
Imaginative and Regimented Thinking
The Ph.D. Preliminary Examination
Research versus Collecting Data
Oral and Written Examinations
Limitations of Statistics
Accuracy: Are the Results What Are Intended to Be Measured?
Where to after Graduation?
Main Areas for Employment of Science Graduates
Internships as a Precursor to Employment
Networking, Joining Associations, Conference Presentations
References
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method, Empiricism, Induction
Karl Popper: Analysis of Early 20th Century Theories
Demarcation: A Criterion to Distinguish between Scienceand Nonscience
Myths as Precursors of Scientific Hypotheses
Exploratory Work Preceding Hypotheses
Growth of Scientific Knowledge
Dangers to Growth: Lack of Motivation for Inquiry, Misplaced Faith in Precision, Authoritarianism
How Scientific Research Can Be Put Off Track Deliberately
How Scientific Research Can Be Put Off Track Unintentionally
References
Attributes Required by Research Scientists
Citations as a Criterion for Research Value
Conceptual Thought Required to Form Hypotheses
Detachment
Perseverance
Ethical Standards-Plagiarism
Publication
Service: Peer Reviewing
Service: Serving on Awards Committees
Grantsmanship
Reference
The Impact of Managerialism
The Managerial Ideology
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO) of Australia
Reviews of CSIRO
Effects of McKinsey Review
Freedom of Expression in Science
A False Premise
Performance Criteria for Scientists
Influence of Managerialism on Scientists
The Risks of Corrupt Practices
Coping with Effects of Managerial Stress
References
Leadership in Science
Mentoring
Supervision of Research Students
Qualities Needed to Lead Scientific Research
Servant Leadership
The Inverted Pyramid
The Future
References
Insights from Notable Scientists
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958)
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Dorothy Hodgkin (1910-1994)
Irving Langmuir (1881-1957)
Lise Meitner (1878-1968)
Gregor Mendel (1822-1884)
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895)
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)
References
Future Challenges for Scientific Research
Two Areas for Change in Direction
Why Are Humans the Only Species to Have Progressed Culturally?
Why Present Funding Procedures for Research Are Unsatisfactory
Stifling of Creativity in Science Can Stunt Future Economic Growth
Suppression of Freedom Causes Stagnation of Knowledge
The Need for a Change in the Working Environment for Research
References
Index
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