Developing a successful career in science: A postgraduate's perspective

Abstract

This paper provides an insight into the early research experience of 2 postgraduate students. As an invited keynote paper, particular attention has been given to the themes of ASAP 2004, through reflection of the trials and tribulations of an innovative student-initiated research and development program, with a strong industry basis and applied science focus. Science stands on the brink of ensuing swift change away from pursuits of primary academic focus alone, toward research directives that are increasingly reliant upon industry and consumer relevance. However, the irreplaceable need to maintain the philosophical basis of academia rises as a potential conflict of interest. This difficulty is discussed within this paper through first hand, recent experience and, additionally, provides some examples of how ambition, sense of research ownership from idea through to outcome delivery, and clear focus on relevance may prove to be integral components of successful research in the future. This paper is written from personal experience, thus, it is presented purely in an attempt to provoke contemplation and discussion of the future of applied scientific research, and to provide an informative insight into the challenges, pitfalls and triumphs associated with a unique postgraduate research experience.