UK 03
Visiting Professor
Imperial College London
Native Language: Konkani & English
Scientific Field of Enquiry/Research: behavioural ecology
14 March 2003
1. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a
non-scientist?
As an exercise to clarify metaphors for decision and policy-making, and
understanding the universe.
2. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work or life?
In gaining inspiration from observing nature, and synthesizing different
facts or metaphors.
3. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the
goal emerge through the process?
Normally I start with a problem definition, but usually the goal emerges
through the expriential process.
4. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and
outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
5. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
In the field, observing nature and people.
6. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Usually, they are determined by intermediaries who synthesize results for
different applications.
7. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so,
please describe how this language works.
Usually, I resort to graphic illustrations to cross cultural barriers, since
my native languages are not the languages of science.
8. Does your work encompass or involve a possible benefit (tangible or
intangible) to society? If so, how would you describe this benefit to
non-scientists?
My work has always been applied and of benefit to society in terms of food
production, improved health, and understanding territorial and social
imperatives.
9. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic?
Why?
Optimist. Re-search explorations would be an impossible psychological
pressure with pessimistic views.
10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists
(in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
I suspect it is general.