Wednesday is gone now. I thought I can finish the preparation of one presentation today but I failed. By preparing for this, I realized maybe I am not a good person to do this presentation but anyways, I will try my best. I would like to finish this in few days.
The novel price in physics was awarded to scientists who did relate work on climate change. I didn’t look at their research yet so I can’t say much. But I didn’t feel good about Japanese news media reporting only focused on Dr Makabe. They didn’t focus much on the work from these three scientists who are awarded. But they keep reporting about only Dr Makabe. That is OK, not a big deal, this should be nothing to do with me anyways. I don’t think Prof. Makabe did not work for Japan, his research has been for humankind. Who do you think did actually fund the research?
By thinking about my career. I got a PhD in Japan, did a postdoc in the US, came to Australia to study for Taiwanese. Who am I working for? Who is taking a risk for me (this case, by paying my salary and research fund could be in vain)? Are questions I would ask sometimes. I feel I am working for Taiwanese. I am lucky enough to do what I want to do in my life because of them. I am working hard in my ways and the results I did or will deliver might not be beneficial or profitable directly to them. So I wanted Taiwanese to be rewarded if I can bring some results. So I always want to work for them where I can, such as growing scientific communities, helping them do experiments, publishing papers, and so on.
I have not been taught ethics as a scientist so I am thinking wrong. Like everyone thinks, I think my job is unique. Since the job is not required the profit in short term. And the benefit can be for everyone because once we create the papers (= new knowledge), that is for everyone. Why am I working on physics? The immediate answer is because I want to, or I am curious. Not everyone can do it for their job. But I can. So if I am not making money, food, building or whatever, what I am creating? Yes, the paper = new knowledge. I can’t be useful or not useful? actually, I can’t answer. Maybe in the future?
For the investment, this is kind of easy to answer, those who take risks can have returned (not promised). In a science case, someone, usually Government = taxpayers, takes risks but everyone could be rewarded when we write papers. Patents are similar but the company pays research so if they find something, they can have some exclusive right to use it for some time.
So again, I am working for Taiwanese taxpayers. I keep in my mind the reason why I am in such luxury positions is because of them. So I am working for them.