UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 12 | Oct. 10, 2002

What Makes a Good Researcher?

What makes a good researcher?

By Brian Lin

Curiosity, persistence and an open mind are some of the traits UBC researchers tell us make a good investigator.

"As a researcher, we’re seeking the truth about everything that’s around us,"says Pharmaceutical Sciences Assoc. Prof. Kishor Wasan, who also heads the faculty’s summer student research program. "Never try to prove your hypothesis, just try to test your hypothesis. Let your data show you the way." Agricultural Sciences Assoc. Prof. Dan Weary says that the secret in getting great ideas tested and into action is having a strong research team.

"Your productivity is only as good as the people that you attract into your research group," says Weary. "Give them the resources that they need to make the project a success."

"Great ideas are good but one needs to really painstakingly develop and follow them," says Civil Engineering Prof. Nemy Banthia.

"Curiosity, drive, and especially persistence," offers Pediatrics Asst. Prof. Christine Chambers. "You need to persist when you believe in your ideas, and when others - such as funding agencies and journal editors - don’t."

"Good imagination distinguishes great researchers,” says VP Research Indira Samarasekera. “To wrestle with the unexpected and arrive at new understanding that challenges old ways of thinking is the crux of good research."

"Keep you mind open and keep yourself up with the new information and techniques," says Psychiatry Asst. Prof. Weihong Song. "Be positive and do not be afraid of failure."