7 great scientists who will inspire you to pursue a career in science

Who are scientists?

An expert who conducts and gathers research to advance knowledge in a particular field is referred to as a scientist. Scientists may develop hypotheses, test them using a variety of tools, including data and statistics, and then draw conclusions based on the results. There are many different kinds of scientists, and almost every sector of the economy needs the expertise and research that these experts provide.

Scientists are one of the main reasons that society has developed into its current state. The effort of some great scientists has contributed to the modernization of the world. Famous scientists like Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei have set a precedent for modern scientists. But there are so many more we don’t know about, and we are going to learn all about them.

So if you are also a science enthusiast and have dreams of changing the world with your innovations, read on and start creating!

The importance of scientists 

Scientists from around the world have contributed to the field of medicine, physics, chemistry, and also technological developments, among other vital aspects of society. 

Almost every company employs scientists. Scientists operate in a range of sectors and specialize in different types of study, from business to teaching to regulation.

As a budding scientist, you can either take a theoretical approach or a practical approach. Both these approaches are equally important in the field. Additionally, research and development are a requirement in all fields of scientific study, even for industrial purposes.

So as we understand the importance of scientists, let’s have a look at some of the most brilliant minds and their contributions! In the end, you can even drop a comment telling us how many of them you already knew about!

7 of the world’s top scientists

Scientists across all fields are very important for the advancement of society. Some have completely changed the way the scientific community used to perceive science. 

So let’s look at 7 of the greatest scientists the world has known – 

#1 Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) 

Nikola Tesla was one of the greatest minds of his time. Dubbed the wizard of the industrial revolution, his contribution to the electrification of life is crucial to us now.

The life that we live now – with a steady supply of electricity – is because of the efforts of Nikola Tesla. He is most famous for his invention of the first alternating current, also known as AC. He also invented a high voltage transmitter known as Tesla Coil, which is used by the telecom industry to transmit wireless power. 

#2 Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Albert Einstein is one of the most famous scientists in the world. He used to be an eccentric person who was perhaps the only scientist in the world who has become such a household name.

His theories of relativity, gravitation and his understanding of molecules have defined new approaches in science. Einstein’s contribution through the discovery of the photoelectric effect earned him a Nobel Prize in 1921. Moreover, his work opened doors for newer things to be discovered.

#3 Marie Curie (1867-1964)

Great scientists go to great heights to be successful in their discoveries. Marie Curie, along with her husband Pierre, was a pioneer in researching radioactive elements such as uranium. Her research also led to the discovery of a new radioactive element, which she named polonium. Moreover, she discovered another element called radium, which helped take the study of radioactive elements forward. 

Along with this, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and won the award again. She helped set up the first radiology center during World War I and is the world’s first medical physicist. Unfortunately, her constant exposure to radioactive elements led to anemia and, ultimately, her demise. 

#4 Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

Isaac Newton is attributed for the establishment of a lot of basic principles of science. He also laid the foundation for understanding more advanced concepts. He put forth the knowledge of how planets stay in orbit and move through space. 

Isaac explained how projectiles traveled through the air on earth and thus put forward the theory of gravitational force. Besides this, he has made immense contributions to light, color, and refined electric telescopes, which are still in use and known by his name. 

#5 Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Charles Darwin is regarded as one of the most crucial scientists who have theorized evolution and put forward an understanding of different species in the world. 

He also explained how species came to be on this earth and how they can evolve over time and adapt to new surroundings. 

#6 Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)

Ada Lovelace was a mathematician who contributed one of the most useful innovations in the world. She is the first person to devise the language of computer programming. She did this a century before the first computer in the world was invented!

Ada also devised an analytical engine where users could punch in mathematical orders through a card, and the machine would solve the problem. Her instructions for this machine are considered the world’s first computer program. 

#7 Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958) 

Rosalind Franklin has played an instrumental role in explaining the double helix structure of the DNA, which has pushed medical science to new boundaries. She discovered the density of DNA and also established the molecule that existed in a helical conformation.

However, in 1962, when Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the DNA’s helix structure, Franklin was snubbed. That’s not to say that great innovation doesn’t transcend time, seeing that she is much cherished and respected by the scientific community today.

More scientists and their contributions

Hungry to know more? Here are some bonus names just for you!

Scientist Name	Contribution to Science
C.V. Raman	Nobel Prize-winning physicist who pioneered work in the field of scattering of light. He also navigated the harmonic nature of sound in Indian percussion instruments.
Stephen Hawking	He mainly worked in the field of general relativity and the physics of black holes. Because of his contributions to physics, he earned many honors. The Royal Society elected him as one of their youngest.
Satyendranath Bose	He was involved in work regarding quantum physics and classified particles that were named ‘bosons’ in his honor.
Homi J. Bhabha	He is considered the father of nuclear energy in India. He chaired the atomic energy commission in India and led the country’s nuclear power and weapons program.
Galileo Galilei	Galileo Galilei discovered the four moons revolving around Jupiter. He also produced powerful telescopes by teaching himself the art of lens grinding.
Richard Feynman	Feynman remade quantum electrodynamics and devised a theory about the interaction between light and matter. He was co-awarded the Nobel prize for his work in physics.
George Washington Carver	George Washington showed ways in which southern agricultural farmers could improve their economic conditions. He also conducted experiments in soil management and crop production and directed an experimental farm.
S. Chandrashekhar	Chandrashekhar won a Nobel Prize for his exemplary mathematical theorization of the concept of black holes. There’s even a scientific term named after him, called the Chandrashekhar limit!

How to become a scientist?

Are you fascinated by how things work around you? Are you always planning on innovating things or understanding the functioning of objects? Then it’s likely you have an affinity towards being a scientist. 

You can follow these broad steps if you are planning to join ranks with the world’s top scientists-

1. Study the basics properly. 
2. Lean towards a path that you would like to pursue in science. This can be physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, or a combination of any of these. 
3. After your bachelor’s course, pursue a master’s degree where you specialize in a particular field of science. 
4. Great scientists make most of their innovations during their doctorate research studies. For all budding scientists, joining a good research program is crucial. 
5. Keep a keen eye on your scientific interests and always keep the spirit of curiosity alive in you. 
6. No matter big or small, always sharing your inventions will help the world around you. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Scientists and their inventions help make this world forward. 
2. Great scientists through the ages have been contributing to their respective fields, which paves the way for new discoveries and helps us understand the world better. 
3. There are many great scientists in the world and many more to come.
4. If you plan on joining the ranks of the famous scientists in the world, then stick with your interest from a young age and choose your field after careful consideration. 

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Liked this blog? Then read 6 Indian scientists and their inventions that changed the world!

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FAQs 

Q1. What are some career opportunities for scientists?

Answer- Scientists are employed in a vast number of fields depending on their area of expertise. Some of the most common career opportunities for scientists are-

1. Space research 
2. Atomic research 
3. Agricultural research 
4. GIS research 
5. Forensic studies 
6. Artificial intelligence developer 
7. Research and innovation toward environmental safety 
8. Food scientist 

Q2. What is the average pay for a scientist? 

Answer- The pay for a scientist depends on the organization where they work and the field of science involved. The average salary of a scientist, when put into a broad category, is $88,616 per year. 

Q3. What are the different types of scientists one can become?