Lessons in the conduct of science - from parents and early teachers

Our National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has in its website (http://www.nast.ph/) a document titled Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Filipino Scientists, which, to quote, “articulates the general principles of ethical conduct in scientific work and all its aspects; these basic ethical principles should guide all scientists in their various roles and functions in the scientific and academic community, and in Philippine society, including research, publication and other forms of public communication, teaching and mentoring, among others.”

General principles in the conduct of science are enumerated, including advice regarding ethical scientific practices, the ethical use of science in Philippine society, conflicts of interest, intellectual honesty, the weighing of the benefits of science vis-à-vis potential harm, commitment to professional development as scientists, development of students and other stakeholders, and advocacy for scientific approaches. The NAST document specifically addresses the importance of science in Philippine national development.

The NAST guidelines parallel those recommended in the document published by the US National Academy of Science, titled On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research. Third Edition (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12192.html).

Both documents advocate behavior among scientists that we all recognize as “proper behavior”: We should not steal — we should not plagiarize; we should not claim credit for the accomplishments of others. We should not lie — we should not fake data. We should always be fair — we should give credit where credit is due; we should be objective in making assessments and statements. We should be helpful to others — we should share our results; we should help others improve themselves, etc. 

That both documents advocate “proper behavior” is not surprising. You see, science is just another activity. How a person conducts himself in his personal life is most probably the way he conducts his science. A scientist, who is burara (not organized) in his personal life, will likely be burara in his science. One, who does waso (not careful) work, will probably also do waso science. And so on ... (There are exceptions, of course). It is very unlikely that a scientist will experience a magical change in personality when he goes through the door of his lab or office.

Since the way we conduct ourselves as adults is very much dependent on how we were taught by our parents and early teachers, it can be expected that the lessons we learned from them figure prominently in the way we conduct our science. By their example and teachings, they are responsible for molding us into better citizens, so that we would contribute positively to the benefit of mankind and to the good of our world. It is they who lead us in the path to good conduct of science. 

In addition to the rules of “proper behavior” that the NAST has enumerated in Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Filipino Scientists, there are other lessons that most of us were probably taught by our parents and early teachers, which relate to the way scientists should behave. Here are some I remember. I am adding what I believe a scientist should gather from each lesson. I’m sure the reader can add many other lessons that have implications on the conduct of science. 

Whatever you do, do it well. Always try to do your personal best, whatever you are doing, whatever the circumstances. If others are working on the same problem that you are working on, i.e., you have competition, don’t despair. There are various types of people when it comes to having competition. Among them are (a) those who wilt under competition, (b) those who do their best when there is competition, and (c) those who do their best whether there is competition or not. Try to be like (c).

Do not compare yourself to others. The time you spend comparing yourself to others is better spent improving yourself, or doing more good. “Good,” “Better,” “Best” should be used to describe yourself, but relative to your own self, not relative to others. It is folly to believe that you are the best, even if you are very good. You may be very good, or even the best, now, but somebody will surely be better than you in the future, or somebody, whom you are not aware of, may already be better than you. You may compare your work to that of others, but only to learn how you can do your own work better. 

You are not perfect! (Of course, neither is anybody else.) Do not criticize needlessly. Any criticism you make should be constructive — never demeaning. No comment is infinitely better than wrong comment. No advice is infinitely better than wrong advice. Do not be dismissive of the work of others — especially the young ones, even if their efforts are inferior to yours; instead, encourage them to do better. 

Don’t be wasteful. Be very careful in your work. Try not to make too many mistakes. Don’t waste resources. Don’t waste your time complaining about bad circumstances; try to do something about it, or live with it. 

When there is a problem, your primary concern should be solving the problem, not finding who is to blame for it. We see this all the time in the conduct of physicians and other health personnel. This should apply also to the conduct of science.

Don’t be lazy. Don’t be idle. If your current project does not pan out, work on something else. There is always another problem that you can help solve. 

Be humble. Do not brag about your scientific accomplishments. Surely, there are others who have done more. Someone in the future may even prove your work wrong. 

So, my (unsolicited) advice to the young ones who want to pursue a career in science: listen to your parents and teachers! The lessons you learn from them are invaluable in shaping you as a scientist and in how you conduct your science.

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The author is a corresponding member of the NAST and is an adjunct professor in the Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman. He can be reached at [email protected].