(Nanowerk News) When you think of scientists, what are the images that come to mind? If you have never met a scientist or visited a laboratory, it can be hard to get away from the stereotypes we see in films and on TV.
What are they really like? For many people, scientists seem scarily clever. And so they see science as "off limits". In fact most scientists are pretty regular people. They have different personalities and outlooks on their life and work. But they don't often get the opportunity to talk about them.
So Stephen Curry has made a film by interviewing six scientists who are at different stages of their careers. They were kind enough to share their stories of how they got into science and to talk about why they like doing it and what they think it takes to be a good scientist.
Most importantly of all, they reveal their favourite type of cheese.
As you will see, these scientists are thoughtful, funny and enthusiastic people who, like Stephen, would like to invite you into the world of science to have a look around.
The film was made with teenage school-children in mind but hopefully it will also appeal to other students, teachers and the general public, and maybe even to other scientists.
Please enjoy and share with your friends.
Stephen Curry is a scientist. He works as a Professor of Structural Biology at Imperial College, London. This means that he uses X-rays to figure out the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules in fine detail — so fine you can just about see the atoms! He works mainly on proteins used by viruses such as foot-and-mouth disease virus and the winter vomiting bug.
