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I do, and through conversations have learned that they enjoy what they do and publish patents (they're PhD in industry), but ultimately what they seek is "fame and glory" (literal quote).

I was also in academics myself up to the Master's level (research track), and personally had to deal with the politics of getting support for what I wanted to work on; that experience helped to discourage me from going on to a PhD, as I'd rather have proper leeway to work on what I really prefer and take avenues I find interesting.

by cliglot1 hours ago|

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> but ultimately what they seek is "fame and glory" (literal quote).

lol how old are these people? You have better chance at fame and glory if you started a stupid YouTube channel.

by analog312 hours ago|

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Oddly enough my experience is the opposite. I live in an academic town, and many of my neighbors are scientists. They view the "fame and glory" as something that maybe someone else has a chance of achieving, but not a realistic pursuit for themselves. Pursuit of funding (which now includes suing the Federal Government) is at best stressful drudgework for them.

I work in industry. In that case, nobody who meets me would ever know that I have patents. I would consider them to be a useful add-on for my resume should I ever need one, but it doesn't define me. And what my employer chooses to fund is a matter between consenting adults.

by skeledrew10 minutes ago|

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> They view the "fame and glory" as something that maybe someone else has a chance of achieving, but not a realistic pursuit for themselves.

This was also my default thinking, but we really see more and more "nerds" getting into the spotlight. It could be a kind of self-fulfilling situation though: the ones working for that fame make the choices that get them there, such as opting to do research that's more "palatable" to those holding the purse strings, and so have the support to gain and maintain presence. Those who would rather blaze their own path generally get left in obscurity (unless they find something truly game-changing), even if it turns out they're more than the former group.

by analog3146 seconds ago|

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From my point of view, nerds getting into the spotlight is great. Public recognition of good work is fine by me. It doesn't have to stem from sinister motivations or "incentives."

But a generalization that science work is motivated by fame and fortune just doesn't make sense.