The Whys of a Scientific Life

John R Helliwell author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:11th Oct '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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The Whys of a Scientific Life cover

The first in the Focus Series on Global Science Education, The Whys of a Scientific Life examines why scientists do what they do. Working from a diverse background in scientific research, including academic departments of physics and chemistry, as well as the scientific civil service, the author describes the choices scientists make. Fundamentally, a scientist asks questions based on curiosity. In addition, the environment is very important. By influencing their elected governments, society itself shapes the scientific research that is undertaken by scientists. This book follows on naturally from the author’s last book, Skills for a Scientific Life, which is a how-to guide for scientists and those that aspire to engage in science as a career.

Key Features:

  • User friendly and concise, this text dissects the whys of science and discovery
  • The author has outstanding experience in mentoring science students and staff, and also in outreach activities for the public and students of all ages including schools
  • The final chapter emphasises the joys of the scientist in research<

    • Thus, to readers who are passionate about their research, this book provides a very appropriate perspective and a systematic approach to many relevant questions, directly related to the conscious choice of pursuing a scientific life. It was a pleasure to read and provides clear answers to many a `Why' associated with scientific research across disciplines.

    The author in my view provides a well thought-through `rough guide' to be considered by many a scientist. It should be shared with colleagues, students, and even people in the street, general society, management entities, and decision makers of higher academic institutions and in government: specifically, with those who so often query with variable modes and emphasis `Why is scientific research (really) necessary?'

    - Andreas Roodt, Journal of Applied Crystallography, 52, 2019

    This is an enjoyable book that provides a unique perspective of a mentor in the field of academic science. The author's passion for science is evident throughout.

    -Chery Thompson, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

    Many of the issues are illustrated and, in turn illuminated, by way of well-chosen case examples often involving the good and great (Darwin, Einstein, Fleming, Watson and Crick) and also including many from John Helliwell’s own research; this is a highly commendable feature of the book.

    - Paul Barnes (2019): The Whys of a Scientific Life, Crystallography Reviews, DOI:10.1080/0889311X.2019.1624315

    ISBN: 9781138389793

    Dimensions: unknown

    Weight: 263g

    120 pages