Trio President Highlights Importance of Scientific Research: Offers inspiration of scientific research

Dr. Berke’s take: “Ideas are a dime a dozen. It depends on what you do with those ideas, how you bring those ideas to fruition, that’s important.”

On Knowledge

His favorite quotes: “By the time most scientists have reached age 30 they are trapped by their own expertise. They have invested so much effort in one particular field that it is often extremely difficult, at that time in their careers, to make a radical change. I, on the other hand, knew nothing, except for a basic training in somewhat old-fashioned physics and mathematics and an ability to turn my hand to new things…. Since I essentially knew nothing, I had an almost completely free choice.” (Francis Crick)

Dr. Berke’s take: “Imagine the disciplines and the new domains that Francis Crick had to learn in order to become one of the world’s first successful molecular geneticists. And I think every scientist recognizes that even though [he or she is] looking at a very focused area, he needs to really explore a broad horizon in order to really come to successful conclusions.”

Take-Home Points

In summary, Dr. Berke said a researcher and Triological Society member should enjoy the creation of new knowledge and appreciate life’s mysteries. He or she should also be a staunch supporter of the scientific method but understand that research is often fraught with “blind alleys.”

Researchers, he added, should recognize that “chance favors the prepared mind” and should always be on the lookout for novel ideas framed by a comprehension of existing knowledge, not just in one domain, but across a broad horizon of disciplines.”