The Explorer Scientist is someone who, like Columbus is on a journey of discovery “to boldly go where no man has gone before”. They will most often be a ‘basic’ scientist, rarely focused on a specific outcome or impact beyond the next piece of the jigsaw of scientific understanding and knowledge. Commonly they will be described as a ‘blue skies’ researcher and freshness of ideas and creativity will mark them out. Any investment will have an element of risk and outcomes - even if output is identifiable new knowledge – will be unknown and not predictable. They are likely to be employed in a university or research centre but may not be primarily a teacher, research leader or involved in science policy. They may well work alone.
research and development in the textiles industry
The exact nature of your work would vary greatly depending on your specialism, but could include:
drawing up research proposals and applying for funding
planning and carrying out experiments
keeping accurate records of results
analysing results and data
presenting findings in scientific journals, books or at conferences
carrying out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environmental factors)
developing new products or ways of applying new discoveries
improving manufacturing production methods
testing products or materials
teaching or lecturing
You would usually work in a team with other scientists, technicians and support staff.
Research scientists work in a broad range of industries. Visit the BBC Academy website to watch a video about the work of a research scientist in the R&D department of the BBC.