• Question: do you think your work is worth wile

    Asked by david13464 to Alastair, Emma, Hywel, Keith, Vicki on 17 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Hywel Vaughan

      Hywel Vaughan answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      That’s an easy question David – yes!
      I really believe in this project, and I think that we are and will make a huge difference, both in terms of inspiring people and in terms of advancing technology. In the end I think you have to believe in what you do, especially when it comes to science. You need to have the commitment to drive your project forward and be able to interpret the results at the end. I believe in what I do, and that makes it even more fun. 🙂

    • Photo: Emma Carter

      Emma Carter answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Good question. Yes I do. The work I did a few years back was on making cars safer for pedestrians – and my results went toward the new European legislation that is being developed, so that work will hopefully save lives. The work I am doing now is further away from a direct application, but it is paving the way for microscopic machines which could be used in medicine to carry out procedures in a much safer way than opening people up for example. Frankly, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it was worthwhile.

    • Photo: Alastair Sloan

      Alastair Sloan answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Hi David

      Yes I do. All our work is about developing new treatments for dental tissue damage to make new smart materials for dentists to use an make fillings cleverer and last longer and to speed up the repair of bones after they break or have been damaged by disease or surgery. All of this will be better for the patient and our projects are all based on clinical need. I have alot of clinical colleagues who work with me to make sure our work is what is needed and will be good for patients.

    • Photo: Keith Brain

      Keith Brain answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Yes, for several reasons. Firstly, I think that how we our bodies are regulated is important to understand, because it often goes wrong and needs fixing. Secondly, I think that the teaching I do (to medical students and others) is important, because doctors need to know what they’re doing in order to use drugs safely.

    • Photo: Vicki Stevenson

      Vicki Stevenson answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      Hi David
      One of the great things about my job is that I feel that other people will benefit from it, so in my view it is worthwhile.
      I try to develop ways which mean that buildings require less fossil fuels. This should help us all by reducing the demands for fossil fuels which helps to keep the prices lower and it will also reduce the impact of global warming.

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