Dr. Fredric R. Govedich
Research Fellow
Monash University, School of Biological Sciences, Clayton VIC 3800 AUSTRALIA
Native Language: English
Scientific Field of Enquiry/Research: Evolutionary Biology
6 August 2004
http://www.invertebrate.ws/index.htm

1. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
I am currently examining how complex animal behaviors, such as parental care, have evolved using simple organisms such as leeches as study subjects. Leeches are interesting subjects because they have complex behaviors that we typically associate with birds and mammals and care for their young in a way that is very much like birds. In fact some species will tend their eggs and young in external nests or they will keep the eggs and young attached to the parents body and the parents will capture food and provide it to the developing young. (By the way these leeches are predators not blood-suckers! :-) By understanding how these complex behaviors have evolved in these simple organisms we will gain insights into how it may have evolved in more complex animals such as ourselves.

2. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
Many aspects of my research, particularly when it comes to developing new projects and coming up with the questions and the hypothesis that will be addressed. In addition books, articles, presentations, posters, drawings etc.

3. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
A little of both. Often I will set out with a particular goal and along the way many more interesting ideas and observations emerge and modify the original intent and direction of the project. In many ways the original goal is really only the starting point and the project develops along the way leading to ideas that can be used to start new projects.

4. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
I would describe my research as being 'natural' as it develops along a course that can not always be predetermined and because I am dealing with living organisms and I am trying to understand the world around us. It does depend on what you mean by natural and artificial though. I think of natural as developing 'naturally' with changes occurring as they become apparent and artificial as relating to a 'cookbook' style where you know you will get Y when you do X.

5. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
I gain inspiration from observing animals interacting with each other and the environment.

6. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Applications can come from almost any source and are typically determined by taking observations and extending them to fill a medical or economic gap.

7. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so, please describe how this language works.
There is not a 'formal' language but there are international rules and forms that are followed that allow researchers from diverse cultural backgrounds to communicate and exchange information.

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?
Yes, we gain knowledge about the natural world, about ourselves and other animals. In addition there are both medical and scientific advancements that have come out of this research.

9. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
A mixture of the two. Currently governments are not funding scientific research adequately and this will not change as long as short-sighted policies are in place. But I feel that the public does value scientific work and that changes will eventually be made.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
This is a widely held view (sometimes more pessimistic sometimes less).