This summer was my first attempt at a field experiment. As a typically desk-bound researcher, fieldwork presented some unique challenges. If you, like me, try out field research for the first time, you may find that your experience aligns quite well with the extended Kübler-Ross model of grief. So, here I present a satirical journey through the seven stages of fieldwork grief:
Stage 1: Shock & Denial
First, you may be shocked that your project was funded in the first place. How did the grant reviewers miss the underdeveloped methodology and glaringly obvious underestimation of how expensive your experiment will be to run? You tell yourself, ‘of course they’ll come to their senses and the funding body will realise what a mistake they’ve made.’ Don’t worry you’ll never have to actually do the research. This denial will likely leave you scrambling to pack a few days (or hours) before your bus/train/flight.
Last Wednesday a bunch of us (thanks to @nhcooper123 for organising) went to see Robin Ince@robinince perform his stand-up comedy science show The Importance of Being Interested at the Science Gallery. His shows are a unique blend of education and humour, combining a whistle-stop tour of the world of science with hilarious anecdotes, all the while vehemently challenging the doubters and the nay-sayers.
I found his show immensely inspiring, and I have to admit that I am normally bored by pop-sci outside of the relative academic safety of my office. I took so much from the show, but I think it boils down to these three points:
The world is big and wide, and fully of wonder. I kind of know this. Its pretty much the reason why I’m a scientist, but Robin has a wonderful charm and ability to find all the really cool stories and point out the best bits, even when showing you something you already know. Be in awe of the world around you.
Don’t sit back and swallow the crap. He would doggedly challenge the stance of anti-science types or the science ignorers. He took the anti-vaccine brigade to task, mocked homeopathy and challenged the religious devout. Recently, I have found myself sitting on my hands, and shoving food in my mouth at parties so as to avoid getting drawn in to discussions – well, arguments really about such matters. I have been taking a pacifist’s approach that in retrospect is cowardly and does a dis-service to science and the work of all my colleagues and my own. But no more. Bolshy grumpy argumentative Andrew is back (just ask my colleagues). I’m not sure my wife will thank @robinince but apparently he suffers from foot-in-mouth too. Be true to your convictions.
Don’t be shy. His style is mad, frenetic, at times all over the place, but always entertaining. Its all too easy to retreat into your shell when you present in public. People like Robin remind you that an entertaining style will hold your attention no matter how many beers you sank during the interval. Equally, you don’t be yourself when on stage. You can put on a show, be something different, whatever works to entertain. Lecturing is an act. Tell funny stories – why you will get poo on your finger if you stick it up your bum for instance. Swear at least occasionally (this is one of my tricks and usually gets a giggle and wakes up those in torpor). Be fun, be mad, be witty and be entertaining.
If at all you like science, one of his shows is a must see. Hopefully this inspiration lasts. If not, I will just have to go see his show again.
