Question: As a scientist going about your everyday job what skills and technology do you need in order for it to be successful.

Asked by kwald27 to Blaire, Elizabeth, Jenny, Shona, Simon on 16 Mar 2013.

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  1. Photo: Blaire DobieckiBlaire Dobiecki
    answered on 14 Mar 2013:

    Scientists need many different skills to do their job effectively. I think most importantly they need to be good at critical thinking – that’s the ability to analyse information to decide whether it is true or false. They also need to be creative thinkers to be able to work out the ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions in science. I believe some of the most creative people who have ever lived were scientists – Einstein was a really creative thinker.

    In terms of technology, I used to do computer modelling to predict where invasive insects could live in Australia. For this I needed to use a fast computer to run my models. I have also done work with plants and soils where I have needed to use microscopes, different types of chemicals and a thing called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins solutions around really quickly to separate ‘heavier’ or denser materials from lighter ones.

    Now I’m a science communicator so I mainly use computer technology and I need to be especially good at public speaking and talking to people.

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  2. Photo: Shona MarksShona Marks
    answered on 14 Mar 2013:

    I think one skill a scientist needs is the passion to always learn new things. Skill also comes with experience, the more experience you have in field work and analysis of data the better you are at drawing on this past knowledge and making conclusions about future projects. That is why it is great if you can find a mentor and learn from them.

    There is heaps of technology the we use as scientist, computers, statistical software (like one called Primer), water quality equipment, sediment sampling grabs and nets, flow meters (to tell us the speed the water is flowing), microscopes, cameras, scuba gear…. list is endless…

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  3. Photo: Elizabeth StarkElizabeth Stark
    answered on 16 Mar 2013:

    The best skill you learn as a scientist is problem solving – being able to work through a problem logically. Its a useful skill in science but also in most jobs. Different areas of science use different technology but computers are probably the main thing that is used in all areas.

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  4. Photo: Simon AllenSimon Allen
    answered on 17 Mar 2013:

    Top of the list, an enquiring mind.
    In my specific area, computing, maths, data handling and metrology skills. The latter being the science of observation or how to measure things better.
    Oh yes, like the others good written and oral presentation skills.

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  5. Photo: Jennifer L. A. ShawJennifer L. A. Shaw
    answered on 18 Mar 2013:

    I think one of the most important skills a scientist must have is a mind that likes to question everything! Just because someone tells you something, does not mean it is true. You must learn to think independently and work things out for yourself. For example, centuries ago many people believed the earth was flat until it was questioned and proved wrong.
    As well as learning to think critically and independently I would say you also need to be a motivated person who likes learning new things and moving at a fast pace!

    These days you also need to have good computer skills as they are becoming more and more important for data analysis and collection.

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