Introducing The Procrastinating Scientist

Technological advances over the last century have led to innovative and ambitious research across the global scientific community. With the emergence of the world wide web, the dissemination of scientific research to the public eye has become even more prevalent. The outflow of science and its easier accessibility has led to a growth of public interest in the field.

But, the means to how this information has been treated has met its fair share of problems. Greater focus on the speed of dissemination has led to a deterioration in the quality and reliability of scientific sources. The over-popularization, and dramatization of science presents a false painting of how research progresses in the field.

The proliferation of conflicting views have also led to the public’s general distrust of the scientific community. This has further spurned a complete breakdown in science communication. This is a serious problem.

As a teenager, I grew up reading various popular science books. These books, in fact, motivated me to pursue a career in science. I was captivated by what I read, and wanted to learn more, especially after my high-school science instructor explained that popular science books only touch the surface of the concepts that are being discussed.

It wasn’t until I attended university, and had full exposure to scientific research that I realized the wide chasm that separates the public perception of science, as promoted by popular articles and books, from its inherent nature.

The Procrastinating Scientist has been made for this exact purpose. As an aspiring science writer, I hope to share my thoughts and knowledge on the current trends of scientific research, while staying true to the field. Credibility goes a long way these days in the scientific community and it ought to be the same when it comes to communicating science with the general public. My hope is to do the same here by discussing and presenting science topics in a clear, and concise manner that is both understandable to the layman but that doesn’t also compromise on the painful reality of the scientific method.

Why “The Procrastinating Scientist“? Well, while it is a common characteristic of university professors to expect their students to be productive 24/7, a large part of research (both theoretical and experimental) involves what may be misleadingly perceived as “procrastination” where we padawans spend time digesting the science presented to us before delving into experimentation.

With that being said, I intend to provide weekly/bi-weekly reports on this blog pertaining to topics on past and current scientific research. These articles may range from criticism of science portrayed in social media entertainment, to what actually happens in a science lab. Point being, let’s have some fun and learn something new!

I hope to see you all very soon with a new post!