The Whys of a Scientific Life / by John R. Helliwell.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to Because--Part I: Fundamental science -- Because we ask a question -- Because we make a hypothesis -- Because we wish to make a collection -- Because of What happens if? -- Because one thing leads to another -- Because we get criticized -- Because we referee other scientists -- Because something unexpected happens -- Because sometimes we have to interrupt a line of research investigation -- Because we want to tackle adventurous research -- Part II: The role of technology -- Because of technology push -- Part III: The wider research and work environment -- Because we wish to engage in a grand challenge or mission led research objective -- Part IV: The scientists inner self -- Because we wish to develop our skills for a better future -- Because we wish to reach to an end point -- Because we like finding things out at the science bench -- Part V: Communication of science -- Why do scientists confer so much? -- Why do scientists submit their research to a journal? -- Part VI: Science and society -- Because we can expand the scope of research with Open Science bringing an improved future for Society -- Because a new or improved product is needed via industrial research -- Importance of the Whys of a scientific life for society -- Part VII Fundamentals revisited -- Why is science objective? -- Because of data and peer review. -- Why is Science a joy to do? --

The first in the Focus Series on Global Science Education, The Whys of a Scientific Life examines why scientists do what they do. Working from a diverse background in scientific research, including academic departments of physics and chemistry, as well as the scientific civil service, the author describes the choices scientists make. Fundamentally, a scientist asks questions based on curiosity. In addition, the environment is very important. By influencing their elected governments, society itself shapes the scientific research that is undertaken by scientists. This book follows on naturally from the author's last book, Skills for a Scientific Life, which is a how-to guide for scientists and those that aspire to engage in science as a career.

Also available in print format.