• Question: if you had the power to make a different what would you do with work

    Asked by jevone3 to James, Antoine, Daniel, Julie, Saima on 11 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: James Hickey

      James Hickey answered on 11 Nov 2013:

      Hi jevone3. I think everyone does have the power to make a difference, each in their own way. I’m trying to make volcanoes a safer place for people to live, by improving our understanding of how and why they might erupt. All of the other scientists are also trying to make a difference in the world with their own specialities.

    • Photo: Saima Rehman

      Saima Rehman answered on 11 Nov 2013:

      I would make a flying-car, which would drop me from my work place to my home in few minutes, instead of 2hours journey.
      Or I would make a chat room, where I will be able to taste food from all over the world, without traveling.
      OMG, I think, I am tired and hungry this time, that’s why thinking about home and food.

    • Photo: Julie Speakman

      Julie Speakman answered on 11 Nov 2013:

      Hi Jevone3 – I agree with James that we can all make a difference, it’s not always about Superman type of differences or the really big decisions that people like the American president make. I try and make a difference to patients by treating them with care and explaining what is happening to them, during what is a very stressful time for many of them. Lots of them say how much they appreciate it and how it makes a real difference so I take that as a good sign!
      If I had more power……, I would ban traffic wardens for a start, find a cure for Alzheimers, how many chances have I got?!
      What about you, what would you do?

    • Photo: Antoine Buchard

      Antoine Buchard answered on 11 Nov 2013:

      Hi jevone3, you’ve touched the reason why you all do science: we all think that with our studies, we can have an impact on the world we’re living in.
      Not everyone is a genius (I’m not) but I hope that the meaningless things I ‘ve discovered will for example, one day, give an idea to a genius scientist and SHE/HE will change the world. I would have then contributed a bit!
      As if I had the power to make a difference now with my work, I will create a trap for the pollution molecules that we all release everyday.

    • Photo: Daniel Patten

      Daniel Patten answered on 12 Nov 2013:

      I agree with James, Julie and Antoine, I think that is definitely one of the biggest reasons people become scientists, to do their bit and make a difference (no matter how small!). If, over my career, I can play even the tiniest role in improving our knowledge of the world we live in, then I’ll be more than happy!

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