Last month I got a chance to attend two conferences in Bangalore and thanks to both had the joy of listening to two very passionate speakers.
Prof. C. N. R. Rao of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore and Scientific Adviser to our Prime Minister delivered a public lecture on "Doing science in India: How to succeed!" He spoke with just the perfect blend of lightheartedness and gravity. I also had the pleasure of having a discussion on a similar topic with my Boss during the flight while on our way to the second conference.
The two learned scientists said in their own ways that if you want to do well in research then firstly you must choose an interesting topic to work in. If you are in an area of significance then half your battle is won. Once there you've got to plunge into it and attempt for breakthroughs which is not easy in a highly competitive field. Over the years you should build your expertise in a particular subject while also trying your hand at other research problems. It seems that in science being a master of one is better than being a jack of all trades. Also one must never forget the age old rule of publish or perish.
But publishing a number of papers and getting invited to give lectures does not necessarily mean you've achieved success. Success in my Boss's terminology is a synonym for respect and from whom that respect is coming makes all the difference in the world. The day someone of stature in your key research area has kind words to say about you is a day you can surely rejoice.
1 comment:
It invariably comes from the fact that an expert in a chosen field is in a better position to judge the competency of a candidate evolving in the same field.
With science itself being a highly inter-related, modular and co-existive subject, it is important for a researcher to be well aware of its broad applications which would in turn provide a better understanding of ones own system of study.
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