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Asked by anon-351338 to Sophie on 8 Mar 2023.
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Sophie Strickfuss answered on 8 Mar 2023:
Hi Amy, yes I am! I trained as a chemist and spent many years working in a laboratory, working in analytical chemistry. Now I manage a team of scientist. I might not be working in the lab any more, but I spent most of my day reviewing experimental data, and training and mentoring my team. Very importantly, I think “like a scientist”. I have learned to apply logic to arguments, how to ask the right questions and devise experiments to find answers – this will remain with me even I move to another job.
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Comments
Martin commented on :
Yes…. I think so. My degrees (BSc in Chemistry, PhD and DSc in Chemical Physics) point to this clearly, my fellowship of several learned societies (the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics and the Royal Astronomical Society) highlight that direction. However, my status as a Chartered Chemistry and Chartered Physicist points me out to be a professional scientist. Science just like medicine, law and accountancy (and many others) is a regulated profession. You need to attain and maintain certain standards to be a scientist. In part those standards also expect you to be continually learning and as a research scientist working at the cutting edge of science, I am always learning new stuff.
Thomas commented on :
Yes.
I did a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, and publish research articles in peer reviewed scientific journals showing off new discoveries about new exciting chemicals! Peer review means that after I write it it gets sent to 2 or more other scientists to read, rip apart, ask me questions to proove that I know what i’m talking about, and then check they approve of before it gets published.
I run a research group training new PhD scientists to get the same qualifications I have. I also teach undergraduate students to get BSc degrees, and apprentice students working in industry to get laboratory scientist qualificaitons.
I think anyone who works in an environment where they ‘do testing’ and ‘collects, analyses and uses’ the results can call themself a scientist!
Graeme J commented on :
No but I play one on TV!
Claire commented on :
I definitely used to be, but I have moved further away from what I consider to be a “real scientist” in my career recently. My job in regulatory affairs requires a background in chemistry, and I apply the same logic and thought processes to it as I did when I was a research scientist. I research regulations, collect information and share the results with my colleagues and clients, but I don’t discover anything new. Maybe I am still a real scientist, I’m not sure!
Christy commented on :
Yes! I work as a PhD student, trying to make new diagnostic tests (like the at-home Covid tests we have all done!). My work is very application focused, so I’m really interested in getting members of the public involved in my work to make sure all the technology I create can be used by people around the world!