US-based scientist Dr Jilly Evans reflects on issues facing
New Zealand researchers. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
California-based biochemist Dr Jilly Evans remains
strongly positive about life and about science careers for
women but sometimes has mixed feelings about recommending such
careers in New Zealand.
Dr Evans, who was born in this country, growing up in North
Auckland, yesterday gave two fully-booked workshop sessions -
titled Science Rocks - for youngsters aged 5-13, as part of
Dunedin's latest New Zealand International Science Festival.
Last night, she also gave a keynote address on "Ageing Well:
Genes, Lifestyles and Medicines" at the University of Otago,
also as part of the nine-day festival, which started on
Saturday.
Dr Evans, who is vice-president at Amira Pharmaceuticals, in
San Diego, said she had "happened to fall in love with
science in my later high school years".
New Zealand needed more scientists, technologists and
engineers and she recommended young people pursue a career in
science if they were keen to do so, she said in an interview
yesterday.
Asked whether mixed messages were being sent, given concerns
by scientists about insufficient funding and the insecurity
of research careers, Dr Evans agreed this was "a bit of a
contradiction".
She did have mixed feelings about science career prospects in
New Zealand, although difficulties in gaining sufficient
research funds was "a problem all over the world, not just in
New Zealand".
More funding for research in science and technology was
clearly needed in this country.
New Zealand needed a permanent workforce of scientists but
there was too much "temporary funding", involving grants
lasting only a few years.
Young scientists could not commit to paying off a house and
supporting a spouse and family without more secure funding.
"That really has to change," she said.
Making grant applications also involved too much bureaucracy.
University of Otago scientist Dr Cushla McKinney, who is on
maternity leave, told the ODT recently she was concerned
problems in gaining funding could force the abandonment of
her research into genetic risk factors underlying rheumatoid
arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
Dr Evans said she had "great sympathy" for Dr McKinney and
others in her situation and noted that a key research funding
agency in Canada took account of the pressures facing young
scientists who were also caregivers.
Maintaining a positive attitude, trying to have fun and
minimising stress were ways New Zealanders could try to
maximise their potential lifespan, she said.
She also experienced stress, but tried to take her own advice
by avoiding too much worry about short-term concerns, she
said.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.