The other day, during a conversation with a radio reporter, I was asked what qualities define a successful scientist. This is a good question, and it seems to have occupied the minds of many. Personally, I have observed colleagues and thought of the following qualities…

A “successful scientist” here refers to a “successful scientist”. Speaking of success, someone might immediately ask: based on what criteria? That is a valid question. The interesting thing is that scientists seem eager to solve the world’s problems, but when it comes to their own issues, they are often puzzled. The first confusion is over what metrics to use to assess the impact of a research project. It took nearly 20 years, starting from a person not involved in science (Eugene Garfield), for the scientific community to come up with some generally acceptable metrics. But when it comes to more personal questions, like what criteria to use to assess a scientist’s success, the problem becomes even more difficult. Few people, especially those who have devoted their lives to pursuing a specific issue, are willing to admit their failures.
However, the issue has become a research topic for sociologists. In 1998, sociologists Feist and Gorman conducted a review of studies on qualities related to the creativity of scientists. These studies typically used qualitative methods on well-known individuals, such as those who had won major awards or served on editorial boards of scientific journals, etc. By comparing the qualities of scientists and non-scientists, they came to the following main conclusions:
–      Scientists are alert and focused, less influenced by surrounding distractions;
–      Scientists often have strong personalities and an assertive attitude, determined to work towards achieving results;
–      Scientists think independently, are introverted, and have poor social communication skills;
–      Scientists are often cold, not influenced by emotions.
Additionally, they compared well-known/creative scientists with those who were less famous and less creative. They concluded that successful scientists often possess the following personality traits:
–      Dominant, arrogant, confident;
–      Independent, self-reliant, introverted;
–      Ambitious, working towards specific goals; and
–      Open to new ideas and actions.
In a practical sense (i.e., without research), the qualities that define a successful scientist, according to my observations, differ somewhat from the traits listed above. Indeed, successful individuals are often arrogant, ambitious, but they have reasons because they are truly talented. Anyone who has met James Watson will see that he looks at others as… rubbish! The journal Nature conducted a survey on the factors leading to a scientist’s success, and in my personal opinion, the factors they listed are very relevant to reality. A scientist who wants to succeed must have the following qualities:
Firstly, creativity in generating new ideas or methods. When a scientist has an innovation, a new discovery, or creates a new method, by nature, many people will follow, making the scientist a pioneer. In English, it’s about being a leader, not a follower. If you only repeat what others do or follow in their footsteps, it’s very hard to succeed.
Secondly, expanding knowledge and research areas. While focusing on one issue, a scientist should also think about expanding their research field (considering the applicability of their field of study); read extensively to gain more information; participate in multiple projects simultaneously; use various methods; and explore new mechanisms. If you work in cardiology, you should also expand your “borders” into other areas, even… art!
Thirdly, perseverance in pursuing ideas. Focus on one main issue; never give up in the face of difficulties; always find ways to deal with challenges.
Fourthly, choose a topic that society cares about and has practical impact. This seems obvious, as no one wants to pursue irrelevant topics that don’t relate to society. Therefore, topics of societal concern with practical impact are very important factors for making a mark and succeeding.
Fifthly, independence and leadership in the field. When a scientist has not yet achieved independence and autonomy, they cannot be considered successful. Independence here should be understood as creating your own “school of thought” and playing the role of principal investigator in research projects.
Sixthly, attracting the next generation of researchers. An important factor is training the next generation. A scientist who does not leave behind a successor cannot be considered successful.
Seventhly, collaboration. Science today is about international collaboration. Therefore, to increase the chances of success, a scientist needs to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside their field. Collaboration is also a great way to generate new ideas.
Eighthly, international publication. In science, there is a famous formula: Research = Experiments + Publication. Publish research in top journals in the field. In practice, no one is recognized as a “scientist” or “researcher” without published work in scientific journals.
Ninthly, awards. In the field and at conferences, awards are a signal of success. Of course, winning a Nobel Prize would be great, but in reality, few people receive it, even those who deserve it, so awards from professional associations are also a measure of success.
Tenthly, attracting funding. In some countries like Australia and the U.S., success in science can also be measured by the amount of funding a scientist attracts from research funding agencies. When looking at a scientist’s CV, if they haven’t attracted funding, it’s a signal that they are not yet independent and are still striving for success. However, this point is contested, as many believe that attracting research funding should not be a measure of success.
These are the criteria and qualities that shape a successful scientist. I think there may be many other qualities, but because I haven’t thought them through yet, this list is incomplete. You may add more to make the list more complete.
Source: http://tuanvannguyen.blogspot.com/2012/11/to-chat-cua-mot-nha-khoa-hoc-thanh-cong.html
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