• Question: What skills are most important for scientists today?

    Asked by gyve532teas76 to Rebecca R, Precious O, Millie R, freyawise, Daisy P, Caroline on 19 Dec 2025.
    • Photo: Millie Race

      Millie Race answered on 19 Dec 2025:

      This is a great question. I think overall the main skill for scientists is curiosity. But one technical skill that has recently become super important is coding and using computers. In my career, I have had to learn to code to analyse images and my data and do statistics. I would say computer skills are probably the most important to learn early on to help with your career- even if it isn’t in science!

    • Photo: Daisy Pickup

      Daisy Pickup answered on 19 Dec 2025:

      Being able to communicate your science clearly and effectively to audiences with different levels of understanding.

    • Photo: Caroline Roche

      Caroline Roche answered on 5 Jan 2026:

      Adaptability or handling change is probably the most important skill I have come across. There are always developments in policies and procedures, the technology we use and improvements in the understanding of science.
      Being able to adapt and learn new skills is key to staying on track with your career.

Comments

  • Photo: juliewillecomme

    juliewillecomme commented on :

    Curiosity! I think scientists are naturally curious, they want to know how things work, learn new things, etc. That’s key. Knowing how to communicate your science in a way that others can understand is key too. I can’t get excited about things I don’t understand!