All science is based on disclosure of sufficient information for the work to be verified independently by other scientists in other laboratories, there can be no other mindset but total honesty. I think this honesty is a quality which is essential for others to follow you willingly and enthusiastically.
An attribute as a scientist which could be classified as a leadership value, is that of persistence. We are very used to solving away at a problem that does not yield easily. We often have to try different approaches to the same problem, to reformulate the question, to refine the experimental conditions. Persistence and patience in pursuing the goal is important.
Scientists have to doubt everything. They are the only people who thrive on being doubters… The business of scientists is not to believe, but to test, to check and challenge theories, including their own… it's very uncomfortable fro most people to live in a world of perpetual uncertainty, but for scientists, it is fundamental.
If we are citizens of anything, we are citizens of the earth.
In a world where it is so easy to neglect, deny, corrupt and suppress the truth, the scientist may find his discipline severe. For him, truth is so seldom the sudden light that shows new order and beauty; more often, truth is the uncharted rock that sinks his ship in the dark. He respects all the more those who can accept that condition; and in returning thanks tonight we are saluting all those who make our load lighter by sharing it.
I think what drives scientists is this tremendous intellectual adventure – pushing the boundaries of knowledge, walking down a track that nobody has walked down before, not knowing what's around the corner and then seeing a landscape that is so extraordinarily beautiful and complex, being part of the community that is driving the boundaries of knowledge and giving us insight into the amazing process of life.
It was one of those special places of science where people were really passionate about their work and they were asking big questions and competing with the best in the world.
It’s the excitement of being on the frontier.
Australians will, in the main, resist being told what to think by anyone called an expert, but they will take note of thoughtfully presented evidence-based opinion.
Today, about two-thirds of men over sixty-five in Australia are no longer at work. Many of these have been retired when they were still very valuable with their skills, wisdom and knowledge… the aim of society should be to introduce more flexibility in the whole question.