• Question: Do you have to be smart to be a scientist?

    Asked by samuelmckenzie to Chia-Yu, Helen, Matthew, Matt H, Rhod on 18 Jun 2013. This question was also asked by jesslovesjls.
    • Photo: Helen Pritchard-Smith

      Helen Pritchard-Smith answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      Yes, intelligence is important as you need to prove yourself initially through exams (written and practical) that you are capable of learning fundamental theory and applies these in practicals.

      There are many skills required to be a good scientist: you also have to be able to think independently, dedicated to your work, have good practical skills, be logical and a good communicator.

    • Photo: Matt Carnie

      Matt Carnie answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      I’m not the smartest person around and I wasn’t even the smartest person in my class at school.

      If you’ve ever wondered how things work or why certain things happen and you really want to find out the answers, and you’ve tried to find the answers, then you’re already a scientist.

      If you want to get paid to be a scientist then you will have to pass certain exams at school and got to university which will require some hard work and dedication. This is more important than being smart or clever.

    • Photo: Matthew Hudson

      Matthew Hudson answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      You don’t have to be super brainy, but you need to be inquisitive and want to question everything and discover the answers! I was never top of the class, but I enjoyed science and studied hard. Now I have a job that I love that pays really well, so it gave me a great future!

    • Photo: Chia-Yu Lin

      Chia-Yu Lin answered on 18 Jun 2013:

      I think imagination and enthusiasm for learning science are more important than being smart. Of course, a good environment to trigger you to be a scientist is most important.

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