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Currently transiting: Loch Lomond, Scotland | Previous destination: Kernavė Archaeological Site, Lithuania

Monday 17 September 2007

Publishing vanities

What do scientists get when they do research and discover new things? Publish papers. Not that I'm ridiculing them ('cos I'm lucky to be taught by a respected one) but by and large, scientists or rather researchers in a lab are mere humans. Fallible humans.

Working for two months on my final year project has definitely changed my view on this bunch of people I once held in high regards. During my two months tenure as a junior, bottom-of-the-food-chain student working my posterior off, I've been through enough things which made me come to such conclusion: researchers - be it my peers, senior MSc, or even doctorate students of the same lab - are just your ordinary students produced by the country's education system. They may be (a year or two) more experienced that's all.

Often, I see selfishness and the penchant to show one's superiority over a matter. Whilst I'm not delving deep into what many think is the future (and therefore class) of science beginning with the word "molecular", I don't see myself lacking in any area nor should anyone behave condescendingly towards anything un-molecular. Mind you, I have seen more disciplined and knowledgeable people in not-so-molecular lab.

You have proud people who thinks they're at the top and untouchable due to the fact that they're pursuing a higher degree and everything molecular. Mind you people, I believe in myself: that I'm better than most if not all. I think and I question and not accept and do without knowing what's being done.

I love Science. I strongly believe that Science could better serve the world. I don't see the "light at the end of the tunnel", much less an exit for the world today since science is money and fame. Everyone's involved in the race to win recognition and accolades. Scientific applications are pursued only if there's an economic feasibility, the possibility that it fills up one's pocket.

Race I mentioned. It's so difficult to share/borrow stuff and it's so easy to give excuses. A me-me you-you or a mine-mine your's-your's situation. Mind you, borrowed things will be returned (I will at least) and if you have a bulk of stuff kept to gather dusts, why not let it be used and stocks shall be replenished once available. Simple logic.

Perhaps, many will think I'm living my own utopia but then, scientists are not so much different from the legislators and the pen-pushers - all for personal gains. Really, what do such people who says" "I know 'cos I did it before" and "I'm doing the molecular aspect of things" get? Publish papers in journals.

Again, I'd like to reiterate that there's nothing wrong in publishing papers to make known your works but please, as human as we are, never think you're better than others. Have self esteem, yes, but a chauvinist, no. Otherwise, what you do are mere vanities, publishing vanities.

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