Brad Wallace

The world of science is one of endless surprises and boundless excitement - so why do we make it so bloody boring?

I am a working scientist. I have a Ph.D. in astrophysics, two post-docs under my belt, and - for the last 11 years - have performed research on satellites and the tracking of Earth-orbiting objects. I increasingly appreciate that not only is the universe filled with fascinating questions, but also that it is filled with amazingly intelligent and interesting people who dedicate their lives to answering those questions.

And yet these people - the best suited to share the surprises and excitement of science and technology - are typically unable to do so.

Somehow, between the thrill of discovery and the sharing of that discovery with other people, the excitement is lost. The sheer joy we feel at being the first to observe something, the child-like delight that comes from having all the pieces fall into place - gone. Replaced by seeming indifference, a detachment that borders on apathy.

Is it any wonder that society as a whole is becoming less interested in science? That decision makers view science as secondary to policy? That the public views research as frivolous?

For this reason I started Luminance Communications - a company dedicated to helping technical experts better share their knowledge, whether it is with peers, managers, the media, or the public.

After all, if the scientists and engineers of the world cannot show that we care about science and technology, how can we expect anybody else to care?