Obstinate nature
In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. Academic Press: London. ISSN 1054-3139; e-ISSN 1095-9289, more
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Keyword |
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Author keywords |
early career scientists; ecosystem approach; marine ecology; patterns; research strategy |
Abstract |
Resolving ecological patterns is challenging but fascinating as it generates new ways of looking at nature. I recapitulate here four independent scientific ideas that I developed throughout my career and that have contributed to a better understanding of the functioning of marine ecosystems. The optimal environmental window relating wind intensity and fish recruitment, the extended homing strategy developing an ecology of individuals, the wasp-waist control of marine ecosystems, and the bird-forage fish interaction are the four patterns that are presented. Communicating results to a large audience is not simply an added value of a scientific career but a responsibility for scientists when considering global emerging challenges. I encourage young scientists to communicate in an open and organized manner, as it will contribute to changing stakeholder’s views and fisheries management. Love of science and ground-breaking ideas are key to scientific careers and creativity can be sustained in many ways throughout a scientist’s career. I provide several tricks inspired by my personal experience that can help young scientists to stay innovative in the long run. Finally, I combine ecology and music, my two favourite topics, illustrating that an obstinate nature and an unexpected combination of unrelated ideas are key when dealing with research. |
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