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`Research is all about aptitude'

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB. 24. Alan J. Heeger, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry for the year 2000, has stressed the need to begin research works at a stage when children are in their formative years.

He was addressing the students of St. Thomas Schools in the city and interacting with them at a function organised in his honour today. Prof. Heeger said it was never too early to undertake research projects and recalled his own experience of interacting and associating with scientists, when he was still a student.

It is not necessary that one has to obtain a postgraduate degree to embark on research work. "Research is all about the right aptitude, genuine interest and also the right choice. If not in school, at least in the first year in the university, one can start doing research works," he said. However, it would be ideal to seek the guidance of a professor while doing research, he added.

Prof. Heeger wanted children to be motivated for basic research in science. Basic science is an area that is being neglected. The world over, the thrust is on professional education.

"I did not pursue research in basic science with the intention of winning the Nobel Prize. It took 30 long years for my discovery in conducting polymers to be recognised and finally selected for the prize," he said about his contributions in the area of semi-conducting and organic polymers.

The discovery that he made in the area of semi-conducting and organic polymers was more satisfying than winning the prize, Prof. Heeger said.

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