Do we know how many research groups, government agencies are still studying SARS and AIDS? In Asia, Europe, America, there are many many labs working out of the spotlight to tackle the unanswered challenges. These scientists at some top-notch institutes and think tanks, most are under paid, focus on finding the cure for infection, understanding viral reservoirs, and improving treatment strategies. The knowledge gained from these research has been instrumental for both modern medicine and public health decision making.
These people have good chance to make great money but they choose not to. During my stint at J&J, most if not all big name molecular biologists refused the offer that could bring them very serious money. They would agree to collaborate with J&J but still work in their own labs taking typical professors’ salary.
My company also tried to hire a few neuroscientists in Canada when we productized a new biosensor based surgery procedure to remove brain tumor, we met the same story. The money we offered easily allows them to comfortably retire in just a few years but they said no, though agreed to collaborate and made immense contribution.
One friend in my network told me the similar story. Hers shop has an European operation, where she found challenging to convince scientists to take full time position. There was one exception, a scientist said he would join unless my friend launches a not-for-profit entity. She agreed and that scientist only took 95K Euro… an incredible low salary.
It’s not my intention to prove researchers do not wish to pocket good money. I am trying to say the opposite - There are many of them do not prioritize money over research and their passion.
Why so?
Many scientists we worked with have the grand vision of doing greater good to this world.
They value the impact of social responsibility much more than simply exchanging their expertise for money. They are determined to devote their limited life to the most significant groundbreaking science discoveries that benefit us, the human kind.
They believe the excellence of research must be produced from a place where academic freedom and independence are respected -- this isn't always the case in commercial shops; Therefore "赚钱和搞科研" isn't always finding harmony.
Every time I am thinking about them, I could not help admiring and paying wholehearted respect. Yes, many of them are not making 400K but needless to say they are the pillars of the society. They made the choice of “为了科研而甘守清贫“ at the same time advancing the world for betterment.
We can comprehend the first-generation of immigrants need to give in for survival. This however isn’t the case for next generation. After all, this world offers many things much bigger than “getting in CS and making 400K“.
