The hazards and rewards of a life in research by Sylvain Comeau Researchers regularly announce their discoveries at conferences and in journals, but rarely do they discuss the research life itself. University of Cambridge emeritus professor George K. Batchelor presented an exception to that rule as Distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics. From a perspective shaped by 50 years of involvement in research work in fluid mechanics, Batchelor spoke with candour about both the joys and hardships of a very uncertain and risky endeavour.
Scientific enquiry is more than an occupation or career.
It can be, and usually is, a demanding and compelling search for knowledge, which dominates your life. Those bitten by the research bug find the best of both worlds, and it can be an intoxicating experience, according to Batchelor. You get hooked on research, and can never have too much of it. There cannot be many other occupations which give enormous fun and excitement, and also qualify as work. In its power and its urgency, it's not fanciful to compare research with the human sex drive.