Abstract
Advice to a young biologist who wants to be a real scientist (rather
than pursuing a successful career as a paid researcher and
administrator) is summarised under ten points: 1. Be an amateur; 2. Read
old books and papers; 3. Use your intuition; 4. Follow your nose; 5.
Study what really interests you; 6. The timescale of real science is
hours/ days or 7-year/ decade units; 7. Apprentice to a master; 8.
Publish (only) when you wish to communicate, and (only) what you wish to
communicate; 9. Publish (only) for those who are interested, honest and
competent; 10. The validity of your work is primarily self-evaluated.