what does it take to be a good scientist/researcher? - (Sep/03/2007 )

Hi
anyone like to share what you think a good/established researcher would be?
cheers

Nerves of steel!

A will to go on when all light is lost.

Be adaptive.

An open mind. If you can't find that gold mine, be open enough to catch the silver and copper mine.

Do you own thing. Don't follow the crowd. Because any big thing which everybody knows about has nearly been mined out by the founders of said field.

Be prepared to go the extra mile.

Do your own paper work.

Despite the many things that I have to say about my supervisor. He is a survivor, worth emulating. He hasn't made any major discoveries.. but he survives. The lab isn't rich but it has money enough to move.

Add to the list a stubborn streak that doesn't give up too easily and the ability to think outside the box.

You must have patience and persistance....the ability to recognise (and take responsibility for!!) your own mistakes...and learn from them. And always knowing that no matter how much you think you know, there is still so much more to learn.