Malcolm Grimston
Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Imperial College London
native language=English
field of enquiry=Energy and nuclear policy
5 May 2003

01. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
Analysing the effects of developments in technology, social science and economics on decision-making in the field of energy policy.

02. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
Seeing patterns in streams of information, especially those coming from different academic disciplines.

03. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
I start with a broad aim, but further goals arise as the project proceeds and new questions become clear.

04. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
My work is primarily artificial, as all policy analysis is I think.

05. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
Coworkers.

06. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Part of the process is promulgating the results into academic, political and business circles - it is largely a matter for these communities to determine how to apply the work.

07. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so please describe how this language works.
My work is specifically designed to translate work from the various scientific languages being used and to recast in a single (largely non-technical) language understandable to all.

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?
Yes, an analysis of the issues underlying energy policy is of great importance given the importance of energy itself.

09. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
Largely optimistic - I believe that human ingenuity is sufficient to overcome most problems, though I am less enamoured of political systems when it comes to delivery.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
It is personal - some scientists share it, others do not - I do not believe there is a single 'scientific' take on the world any more than there is a single 'scientific' personality or value system.