Jason Palmer
PhD researcher
Imperial College London
native language=English
field of enquiry=molecular spectroscopy
7 August 2004

01. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
We use multiple laser beams to study and catalog molecular structure, particularly for the use of identifying the components in complex mixtures of biological molecules.

02. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
My work is very hands-on, and strongly dependent on problem solving, a process that requires both scientific rigor and creativity. in life, I enjoy very non-scientific pursuits such as music and writing. the connection between these "kinds" of creativity isn't obvious, but I don't see them as separate, just sub-categories of a universal creativity--after all, given any profession or hobby must we not add an element of creativity? just to keep ourselves interested, in the worst case, or to truly bring something personal and unique to the endeavor, in the best case.

03. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
Both. One must start with a defined goal, but a colleague describes it as such: A general must go into battle with a plan, but know that the plan will dissolve in the first three minutes. From there it's important to be wide-eyed and flexible.

04. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
In my research we create situations in the lab which simply don't happen to the same degree in nature. My definition of natural is that which occurs or has a close cousin in nature; artificial (while undeserving of the negative connotations it is surely associated with) refers to creating a situation which without our intentions and technology simply wouldn't occur.

05. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
Inspiration from colleagues and the heroes in the history of science, and quite a lot from within; I just simply want to know, and it's inspiring to think that I can find out with my own hands and mind. Support from absolutely everywhere--friends, family, the man in the pub who's "glad there's people like me around to do that kind of thing"...
06. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Almost purely "market forces"; I am in method development, and until we develop a method sufficiently superior to existing methods which try to accomplish the same goal, we simply have a laboratory curiosity. We have a lofty goal, creating a method which will be of equal interest to analytical chemists, molecular biologists, and medical diagnostic types, so it's kind of an all-or-nothing proposition.

07. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so please describe how this language works.
Not so much a language as a very specialized vocabulary. Quite simply, we learn it on-the-fly by working in the field and reading the journals. It works no differently than a regional dialect, except that it has no region.

08. 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?
Absolutely. I couldn't spend my days (and frequently nights) working on something that didn't have possible benefits to society at large. Often, these are very long-term visions of future applications, but I have a hard time justifying research for its own sake.

09. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
Some of both. I don't share the innate fear of technological progress that many people (both in science and otherwise) do, but I do fear our dependence and ready acceptance of much of this "consumer driven technology". My pessimism arises from the worry that we will begin to forsake the tangible, the tactile, the in-person, the sensual aspects of our lives too easily. I think it's great we can get groceries delivered online, but I will always like to squeeze my own tomatoes in the market. Thankfully, my optimism usually wins--we are an adaptive, hopeful, and generally strong species, and I've no doubt we'll make it in the end, I suppose I just have the very natural fear that we'll change too much along the way.

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 share this worldview with scientists as much as I do with non-scientists; everybody's got their set of beliefs, always personal. I don't think it's constructive to consider "the scientist's view" vs. "the people's view". There is a great deal of variation in personality within the scientific community which is often overlooked when people and the media consider the contributions of Science (capitalization intentional) as a whole.