• Question: are you very sure that you will make a positive change in peoples lives?

    Asked by jess.xx to Adrian, Gaia, Jim, Scott, Vicky on 7 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Gaia Andreoletti

      Gaia Andreoletti answered on 7 Mar 2016:

      I am confident that genomics will bring (and have already brought) positive changes in people lives. By studying the human genome, it would be possible to predict how well a person will respond to a treatment or find one that will work best for them.

    • Photo: Adrian Buzatu

      Adrian Buzatu answered on 7 Mar 2016:

      I do. But it must be understood that fundamental science has no direct application. But it does not mean it is useless. It brings us knowledge about the laws of the Universe. It is the first step in order to allow for practical applications.

    • Photo: Scott Lawrie

      Scott Lawrie answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      Yes. I work on a small part (the ‘ion source’) of a particle accelerator which makes neutrons to study the microstructure of matter. By that, I mean we’re studying where atoms are and what they are doing. This helps us understand all kinds of material properties (like for example why is glass transparent? Why is silver shiny?) This can be used to develop all kinds of useful materials like better anti-viral drugs, flexible solar panels, more efficient batteries, stop planes falling out the sky etc etc.

      Therefore, although my tiny bit of the machine isn’t all that helpful to you, the materials research that comes from it certainly is.

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