Live long, avoid smoking and excessive drinking, maintain a balanced diet, and rest adequately, as it may take 50 years of your discoveries to be recognized by the Nobel Committee.
Additionally, do not share your ideas with too many people, as they might be stolen, and strive to write well in English since the discovery needs to be a memorable story if it seems deserving of a Nobel Prize.
These pieces of advice come from Australian Nobel laureate Peter Doherty in his new book, “A Beginner’s Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize.”
Doherty reached the pinnacle of glory in 1996 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, alongside his Swiss colleague Rolf Zinkernagel, for their discovery regarding the natural state of cellular immune barriers.
Doherty’s autobiography largely recounts the life of a scientist, but the final chapter – “How to Win a Nobel Prize” – presents his insights on the dos and don’ts to achieve that glorious life.
“If you want to win a Nobel Prize: to become famous, powerful, and perhaps even wealthy? If that is your ambition, I can’t help you,” he writes. “There is no manual or course that can guide you to a Nobel Prize, and mathematically speaking, for most of us, the chances of winning an Olympic gold medal are even easier.”
However, do not despair. Doherty offers suggestions that young scientists can take to accelerate their journey towards this goal. “Try to tackle big problems and make significant discoveries,” this advice may seem obvious, but Doherty notes that those with the intellect to identify a Nobel-worthy issue are rare.
“Discoveries are different. No one can choose what they will discover, but there are various ways to create a discovery and outcomes,” Doherty says. “Don’t take everything at face value; develop a habit of thinking contrary to convention. Work hard, work smart, and with a bit of luck, fortune will do the rest.”
Two Australian scientists, Barry Marshall and Robin Warren (recently awarded the Nobel Prize for their 1982 discovery that bacteria, not stress, cause ulcers and gastritis), exemplify Doherty’s advice that Nobel candidates need patience and longevity. Their discovery was recognized by the world’s most prestigious award committee more than 20 years after its inception.
“It’s important to start good habits early: eat and drink moderately, rest, avoid smoking or excessive use of stimulants (including alcohol), exercise regularly, avoid strenuous sports, and seek help from professionals when facing negative thoughts,” Doherty advises. And focus deeply on one subject: “Smart people who jump from topic to topic and achieve success are very rare,” he states.
You also need to be well-educated. Moreover, great ideas can easily slip away, so always carry a pen and notepad to jot down thoughts anytime. “People think in both words and images. Illustrative ideas can come at the strangest times, such as in the shower or on a mountaintop,” Doherty notes.
Once you have a great idea, protect it. “A careless comment in someone’s email can provide the necessary evidence against a competitor,” Doherty warns.
Additionally, your work should be written in an engaging manner. “Science is about telling memorable, readable, and compelling stories. You don’t need to be Shakespeare or Michael Ondaatje, but to be recognized as a leading scientist, you must write clearly and concisely in English.”
Lastly, Doherty says: “Be humorous, act like a winner.”
T. An (according to Reuters)