• Question: 1. Why are you on im a scientist get me out of here? 2. Have you ever thought about having a different job? 3. what is your favourite thing about science, the experiments or the theory based work?

    Asked by russia to Davie, Gemma, James P, James V, Nuala on 26 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: James Pope

      James Pope answered on 26 Jun 2012:


      Hi russia,

      I am on I’m A Scientist because I a massive believer that scientist should talk about their work to everyone, whether they are in government making policy or school kids. Science should be open and available to everyone not some secret hidden thing, that is all big words and complicated answers. Another reason is so that you guys can see that I am a normal person. I like sport, I have friends, I like going to the cinema or for a walk in the hills, but most importantly I am not some sort of genius. Anyone can become a PhD student and a scientist if they want to. It’s about hard work and enjoyment not about being really really intelligent.

      I have thought about other jobs, but science has always been what I have enjoyed and I really think you should do what you enjoy, as thats the best way to be happy!

      Finally, I definately love the experiments, they are the best bit, but the working out what has happened is very enjoyable, especially when you discover something new, that’s teh best feeling!

    • Photo: Nuala Carson

      Nuala Carson answered on 26 Jun 2012:


      Hey russia,

      I am doing I’m a scientist for a couple of reasons. Firstly i think scientists should talk about their work with everyone so people understand what is happening to the world, and how we can save it. I think you guys (school children) are really important to chat with as you are the next generation of scientists. Not only that but going off the questions you are submitting so far you have great ideas, and help us look at something in a completely different way!

      I have thought about having a different job but i ended up doing science and i am pretty glad i did!

      Experiments are definitely the best bit! They are the fun bits that make the boring theory worthwhile!

    • Photo: James Verdon

      James Verdon answered on 27 Jun 2012:


      Hi russia,
      I think the problem for a lot of kids is that they find science boring in schools because learning about science in a classroom is nothing like what actually being a scientist is like. I’m not surprised that kids get bored just learning about facts and equations in class. So going on I’m a Scientist is a chance for me to show you that being a scientist is a great career choice. For instance, just in this group zone alone we have people working on all sorts of cool things, from climate change to earthquakes and volcanoes, for example. So hopefully we can persuade more people to do science subjects at A-level, and then go to university to do a science degree, and then go on to become scientists themselves.

      While I was at university, I had thoughts about becoming involved in finance in the City of London, or working for an oil company, But once I became a scientist don’t think I wanted to be anything else. This job is just too interesting.

      In particular I love the field work – getting to go out around the world to study volcanoes, often in lots of really cool places.

    • Photo: Gemma Purser

      Gemma Purser answered on 27 Jun 2012:


      Hi russia,

      I think themain reason I decided to take part in ‘im a scientist’ is because it looked like fun!
      I like chatting to you guys, helping you find the answers to your questions and I have even enjoyed learning new things myself from all of this. You all come up with some brilliant questions, stuff i haven’t even thought about in my 30 years on this planet! I dont really see it much as a competition now either because i actually like working with the others in this zone to answer your questions! Im really glad I decided to take part!

      I have thought about whether i would do another type of job one day but to be honest i cant see myself ever leaving science. Its not just my job, its who I am as a person that makes me want to do science.

      I will be honest I love the practical and the theory just the same, the bit i like the least is the writting part but you can never avoid that no matter what job you end up in. There will always be paper work.

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