Bifurcations in Scientific Careers. Issue 1 (9th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koskinen, Hannu
• Is Part Of: Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists. Volume 3:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-09
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Space sciences -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1029/2022CN000183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2637-6989

Abstract

Abstract: Life is a chaotic nonlinear dynamical system, so is of course the scientific life as well. Due to external perturbations the trajectory of any scientific career goes through several unstable points and may bifurcate to unexpected directions. I discuss a few critical points based on my own experience as a space scientist throughout my professional career. While my examples are certainly quite typical, the trajectories after the bifurcations are always individual. The advice I wish to give to a young scientist: Watch your opportunities and be well‐prepared. Plain Language Summary: Every scientific career goes through critical points after which the future may bifurcate to different trajectories. I discuss a few examples of critical points based on my own experience as a space scientist. While my examples are typical, the trajectories after the bifurcations are always individual. My advice to a young scientist: Watch your opportunities and be well‐prepared.