Lecture on experience from University of East Anglia
In early October, I attended a talk by Prof. Peter Brimblecombe about "Excellence in environmental science: An experience from University of East Anglia". The history of UAE is relatively new, dating from 1970s. Sometime after scientists realized a need to create a new disciplinary called environmental sciences. It's always easier to create non-tradisional courses in young university.
Prof. Brimblecombe pointed out that one major challenge in science is interdisciplinary. I totally agree. Take genomics as example, it requires knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and statistics etc (acquired through learning or collaboration). He noticed that Malaysian researchers lack international collaborators. With internet, communication has never been easier. Then again, communication between scientists and policy makers should be strengthen. Staff support and their sense of loyalty is important too.
The professor also showed a copy of Personal and Professional Development (PPD), a programme book designed for PhD students. They offer a variety of short courses from how to prepare for viva to learning Perl. Instantly, memories of my attempt to pick up Python a year ago lashed back. How I wished I can attend all those training courses in the booklet. Although more than half of these courses are offered in our universities, they are mainly offered to undergraduates but not postgraduate students.
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