How to Succeed in Science

HOW TO SUCCEED IN SCIENCE KEITH A. CRUTCHER* It seems that many ofour scientists have not received basic training on how to succeed in science—for example, obtaining grants, receiving peer recognition, having a bibliography that is longer than any particular publication listed in it, etc. In order to correct this deficiency, the following guidelines are presented. Of course, there will always be the occasional black sheep who decides to embark on an entirely original course of work or chooses to forgo the rewards of being recognized as a successful scientist, in which case these guidelines do not apply. But attention to the principles set forth below should provide a solid framework for most aspiring scientists to build on. 1. Relax! We're Only between Paradigm Shifts Anyhow Much of the stress and anxiety that have traditionally been associated with the conduct of science are now relieved by the tremendous insight provided by Thomas Kuhn. Since the vast majority of scientists are currently doing "normal" science, akin to treading theoretical water, and true advances must await the next shift in paradigms, most of us can relax as we realize that our work is unlikely to have any lasting influence. Of course, there may be some who seek to contribute to, or actually precipitate, a shift in paradigms, and it is unlikely that they can be stopped, but the rest of us should recognize that the clarification of an existing paradigm is necessary for subsequent scientific revolutions. Just imagine how difficult science would be if every investigator made some fundamental contribution that involved a shift in paradigm or forced us to analyze our basic assumptions about the area in which we work. This essay received recognition in the 1988 Dwight J. Ingle Memorial Award for young authors. *Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Bethesda Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267.© 1991 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 0031-5982/91/3402-0712$01.00 Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 34, 2 ¦ Winter 1991 \ 213 2. Become Famous Once you have the appropriate relaxed attitude about the importance of your own work (see 1) it becomes much easier to focus on the business of being a scientist. In this regard, being famous ranks second only to being relaxed. Unfortunately, many scientists have overlooked the importance of being famous in order to succeed, especially in the areas of obtaining grants and getting to travel (see 5, below). And becoming famous is really much less difficult than most realize. There are several options. One of the quickest and surest is to work with someone who is already famous. This will guarantee a certain amount ofsecondary fame that can be used as a foundation for establishing your own fame. Another method is to organize a symposium on a "hot" topic and invite the most famous people in the field, including the famous person with whom you work, to participate. Then list yourself on the same program. This technique has had marvelous results for countless numbers of nowfamous scientists. Another effective option is to publish a paper or abstract every week in your selected area (see 3). This method takes more effort, but with attention to the following guideline the work can be minimized and the results guaranteed to make you a recognized expert in any particular field. 3. Publish Often (Preferably Abstracts) It is common knowledge that modern scientists do not have time to read the rapidly growing literature in their field and, with the realization that most research will have no lasting effect (see 1), it is clear that to do so would be a waste of time. Therefore, take advantage of the fact that most of your peers are going to be influenced by your work primarily through name recognition. The same principle that advertising agencies use, namely, repeated exposure, is vital to success in science as well. The more times your name is seen in print, the more influence you will have and the more famous you will be (see 2). Of course, the choice of medium is critical; ideally, you should publish as often as possible in newspapers and popular magazines, but scientific journals can have their place...