News & Stories

Detective or explorer...you decide!

Our researchers tell us the best thing about being a scientist.

It’s no secret that scientists get to do some amazing stuff. They see things in a different way. It might be scanning the frozen landscape of Antarctica from the deck of a research vessel, it might be investigating outer space through a telescope, or it might be peering into a microscope.

They make discoveries and explore the limits of nature and imagination. And they have a great time doing it.

Here’s what some of our most outstanding researchers have to say about what they LOVE about science.

“The best thing about being a scientist is the excitement of discovery. It is such a privilege to be the first person in the world to see the result of a particular experiment!” Dr Lila Landowski, Postdoctoral fellow, Neuroscience and Brain Plasticity.

“Scientists are essentially explorers and detectives, we get to discover new things all the time. I’ve been to so many different places and worked with innovative and creative people all over the world, all through my work as a marine biologist.” Associate Professor Gretta Pecl, Principal Research Fellow, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Dr Andrew Cole.

“It’s hard to pick just one good thing about being a scientist. I think if I had to choose a single best thing, I’d say it’s getting to work on really interesting and challenging problems every single day- there’s never a boring day at the office because there’s always something new and exciting to think about!

“Some other great parts of the job are getting to work with other people who are just as passionate and excited about their work as I am, feeling like what we do is making a difference to society in the big picture/long term, and getting to share that knowledge and the sense of excitement with students.”  Dr Andrew Cole, Senior Lecturer, School of Physical Sciences.

“The best thing about being a scientist? Diving on remote coral reefs, working on the ice in Antarctica… but above all, the fact that ecosystem science really MATTERS for conservation and management." Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas (pictured in banner), Research Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division, Project Leader, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC.

Calling all future scientific explorers and detectives! Apply now to study Science at the University of Tasmania: http://www.utas.edu.au/courses/study/science