From small-scale lab curiosity to a UN major honour

By Editor 8 years ago

Deanna Coleman interviews Professor Jim Scott.

Ever wondered how subway cards work? Or how everything fits on a e-money smartcard?

Welcome, Professor Jim Scott, humble St Andrean lecturer of physics and chemistry. Dr Scott conducts research into ferroelectric materials and devices, including the nano-memories. This has led to the creation of e-money smartcards and the development of oyster-card technology, leading to his scientific nickname – “the father of integrated ferroelectrics”.

Despite the tiny products Dr Scott works with, he himself has been awarded something a million times bigger: A UNESCO medal for contribution to nanoscience and nanotechnology. The first scientist in Britain to receive this award travelled to Paris last week for a 3-day trip to collect the prize, supported by his much-loved wife, Galina.

Dr Scott’s work started off as a simple ‘laboratory curiosity’ across the Atlantic Ocean at the University of Colorado, where he worked with only one professor, one young assistant professor and two students. The project that was once thought of being “worthless” and deemed to “never make a penny”, has now made over £100 million and is being developed across the world, as far as Japan and North Korea. Moreover, there is much hope the technology will reach the UK, following its success elsewhere in the world.

Dr Scott has been criticised by some newspapers for personally taking “no money from” this multi-million-pound technology. He kindly replies to these critics by explaining that lecturers at universities don’t own their research, emphasising that it does not mean he is mistreated. On the other hand, his research has enabled him to do so much – from traveling around the world, watching his technology develop, to buying a beautiful family home in Cambridge.

When asked what the major honour from the United Nations means to him, Dr Scott showed all the certificates and medals which he has previously received – some made of gold, and hailing from over seven countries around the world. Yet confidently the professor continued that the “UN is kind of special,” likening the award to a religious person getting “blessing from the Pope”. Furthermore, receiving the fairly-new prize from the director of UNESCO only further reiterated to Dr Scott how important the recognition is. He should be very proud for obtaining this.

Amazed by his dedication and work ethic, I questioned what his advice would be to people who wanted to achieve as much as he has so far. His response was a simple question to me: “You want to work at the United Nations, right? Well, the chances of that happening are perhaps one in ten… but that’s not zero”. He elaborated that one has to be “patient” because “nothing happens overnight”. Additionally, it’s important to “take some risk” and “to keep doors open in a situation where you have opportunity”.

Closely following this, Dr Scott spoke about his personal experience at Harvard University. Coming from a small, mixed-race community, with parents who had never been to high school, he was nervous as “all the guys in [his] class were from the Eton and Harrow equivalent in America.” While many would be put off by this, Jim positively got up every day to “try and do a good job.” Look where his tireless work ethic has got him today.

Like many physicists (apparently), Dr Scott likes working at freezing-cold temperatures. His current research is a continuation into the development of nanotechnology at -270°. This means that potentially his work would be used in space on satellites. Not to mention, some of his previous research at low degrees has already been used by the US Navy when launching the ‘MiniSat’ into low-Earth orbit last month.

The University of St Andrews is of course very lucky to have such a profound professor. We all wish Dr Scott the very best for his future research.

Comments

comments

Tags: ,

781 thoughts on “From small-scale lab curiosity to a UN major honour”

  21. Onlayn bahis platformalar? varland?rmaq gordum a koz?rdi icind? t?qdis etm?k dunyada, qurban verm?k istifad?cil?r? istirak rahatl?g? bir s?ra evl?rind?n v? ya yoldan qumar oyunlar?n?n formalar?. Bu platformalar ad?t?n tender bir bir t?r?f? menzil Idman bahisl?ri, kazino oyunlar? v? daha cox da daxil olmaqla seciml?r. Uymaq Qumar?n oldugu Az?rbaycandak? istifad?cil?r mohk?m-mohk?m T?nziml?n?n, onlayn platformalar durustl?sdirm?k bir prospekt kiritm?k olmaya bil?c?k f?aliyy?tl?rd? sagca haz?r boyunca m?is?t varl?q.

    Az?rbaycanda qumar oyunu birind? movcuddur s?s bozluq. Is? d?yisilm?d?n T?yin olunmus ?razil?rd? qumar oyunlar?n?n formalar? icaz? verilir, onlayn qumar kommutator qaydalar? il? uzl?sir. Bu hokum?t var ovsunlu olcul?ri blok D?niz bahis veb saytlar?na giris, ancaq saylanmayan Az?rbaycanl?lar sakit okean donm?k ucun beyn?lmil?l platformalar bir goz qumar ehtiyaclar?. Bu a yarad?r cag?r?s etm?k ucun Az?rbaycan bazar?na uygun onlayn bahis xidm?tl?ri.

    1WIN AZ?RBAYCAN https://1win-qeydiyyat-az2.top/slots/jet-x/ A olsayd? lisenziya Onlayn bahis siyas?t Az?rbaycanl? istifad?cil?r? yem?k ist?rdimi m?qbul tender bir f?rq Xususiyy?tl?r v? t?klifl?r dem?k olar ki, eynidir dig?rin? beyn?lmil?l platformalar. Bunlar ola bil?r anlamaq Idman bahisin? moda Dunyadak? hadis?l?r, a qurasd?rmaq yuvalardan tutmus kazino oyunlar?ndan real distribyutor t?crub? v? bonuslar v? promosyonlar c?lb etm?k v? kiritm?k must?ril?r?.

    Motorlu Uygunluq olard? ?sas axtar?sda istifad?cil?r? yem?k t?r?find? ucun bahis etm?k ustund? lavabondan hakim, il? platforma qurban verm?k mobil dostluq veb sayt v? ya xususi bir t?tbiq. Od?nis seciml?ri d? olard? f?rql?n?n, yerlik f?rqli ustunlukl?r v? t?min edir seyf ?m?liyyatlar. ?lav? olaraq, istehlakc? oglan ?zm?k m?hk?m?y? verm?k bir kritik x?td? Unvanda operator sorgular v? t?min etm?k relyef N? laz?m olduqda.

    Onlayn bahis platformalar? t?min etm?k rahatl?q v? pagant, Budur m?zar od?m? istifad?cil?r m?sq etm?k qulluq v? conmaq m?suliyy?tl?. Etibarl? kimi qumar t?dbirl?ri K?nara qoy M?hdudiyy?tl?r v? ozunu istisna seciml?ri, olmal?d?r yax?nl?qdak? ucun d?st?k verm?k istifad?cil?r n?zar?t onlar?n bahis f?aliyy?ti v? yanmaq gizli z?r?r verm?k. Yax?n t?min etm?k a seyf v? xos bahis yerli, "1" kimi platformalarQ?l?b? qazanmaq Az?rbaycan "ed? bil?rdi yem?k adland?rark?n az?rbaycanl? istifad?cil?rin ehtiyaclar?na muvafiq Qaydalar v? t?blig nufuzlu qumar t?crub?l?ri.

    Reply

  29. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot
    of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy
    so any help is very much appreciated.

    Reply

  36. 비아그라 구매 사기 방지하는 방법 불행히도, 온라인 세계는 의심하지 않는 구매자를 대상으로 하는 사기로 가득 차 있습니다. 다음은 온라인에서 비아그라를 사는 것과 관련된 몇 가지 일반적인 사기 및 이를 피하는 방법입니다

    Reply

  100. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  127. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply
  173. Pingback: webcam girls
  175. Pingback: Kampus Ternama

  182. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  190. In recent times, Africa has come about as a radiant hub for songs and celebrity traditions, gaining international reputation and influencing international trends. African tunes, with its rich tapestry of genres like as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and highlife, provides captivated audiences globally. Major artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have not only dominated the graphs in Africa but they have also made substantial inroads into the global music scene. Their collaborations along with international stars and even performances at major music festivals have got highlighted the continent’s musical prowess. The rise of electronic digital platforms and social media has more amplified the reach of African audio, allowing artists to be able to connect with fans across the planet and share their particular sounds and testimonies – https://nouvelles-histoires-africaines.africa/annonce-demploi-assistant-marketing-et-evenements-chez-live-nation/.

    In addition to its musical talent, Africa’s celebrity traditions is flourishing, with entertainers, influencers, plus public figures requesting large followings. Superstars such as Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, and Charlize Theron, who have beginnings in Africa, are making waves globally in film, television, and fashion. These types of figures not just bring attention to their very own work but furthermore reveal important cultural issues and ethnic heritage. Their accomplishment stories inspire the new generation associated with Africans to go after careers in the particular entertainment industry, promoting a sense of pride and even ambition across the continent.

    Moreover, African-american celebrities are increasingly using their websites to advocate intended for change and offer returning to their communities. From Burna Son’s activism around social justice issues in order to Tiwa Savage’s initiatives to promote education intended for girls, these open public figures are leveraging their influence with regard to positive impact. These are involved in several philanthropic activities, supporting causes such while healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. This specific trend highlights the particular evolving role of celebrities in The african continent, who are not just entertainers but likewise key players inside driving social modification and development.

    Total, the landscape of music and movie star culture in Cameras is dynamic plus ever-evolving. The continent’s rich cultural range and creative skill still garner international acclaim, positioning Photography equipment as a major force within the global entertainment industry. As African artists and celebs carry on and break boundaries and achieve brand-new heights, they pave just how for some sort of more inclusive and diverse representation in global media. Intended for those interested inside staying updated in the latest developments and news in this vibrant scene, numerous platforms in addition to publications offer specific coverage of Africa’s music and superstar happenings, celebrating typically the continent’s ongoing contributions to the globe stage.

    Reply
  194. Pingback: spinco

  195. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply
  222. Pingback: Kuliah Online
  234. Pingback: 918kiss

  315. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply

  346. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress
    on a number of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
    I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way
    I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any help would be really appreciated!

    Reply

  349. 비아그라 구매방법 의사 상담부터 온라인 구매까지
    성적 기능 장애는 남성들 사이에서 흔히 발생하는 문제 중 하나입니다. 이런 문제에 대처하기 위해 비아그라와 같은 약물이 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 그러나 비아그라는 처방전이 필요한 약물로 분류되어 있기 때문에, 올바른 절차를 따라 구매해야 합니다.

    Reply
  478. Pingback: pg slot
  485. Pingback: 918kiss

  532. Within a couple of weeks she has started acting like herself and has so much enegery and her symptoms has completely stopped.
    Know more about ED at lyrica discounts coupons in the comparative chart on this site
    In the case of autoimmune hemolytic anemias, the immune system attacks red blood cells, killing them just as it would destroy bacteria or viruses.

    Reply

  538. Since some children spend time playing outside in areas parents might not venture, mold may be prevalent in the outdoor air.
    Can I expect to take glucophage schedule remain in my system?
    Oral Cancer SymptomsWhat Oral Cancer Survivors said about their Cancer Symptoms.

    Reply

  543. HAHAHA Nope, not now!!!
    Where can I find information that compares prednisone for hives it is necessary to take precautions.
    An expanded view of field effect has been termed “etiologic field effect”, which encompasses not only molecular and pathologic changes in pre-neoplastic cells but also influences of exogenous environmental factors and molecular changes in the local microenvironment on neoplastic evolution from tumor initiation to death.

    Reply

  544. But the possibility of slow, chronic diseases from low-level absorption of pesticides are still possible.
    Is there a way to compare will ampicillin cure uti they are right for you.
    Cervical cancer tends to begin when the healthy cells converts into an abnormal cell which is mainly due to genetic mutation.

    Reply

  550. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

    Reply

  592. Welcome to our website, where you’ll find a wealth of articles dedicated to the dynamic worlds of sport and music https://gptnews.uk/ . We highly value the power of these two compelling fields to inspire, entertain, and enrich our lives. Whether you’re an devoted sports enthusiast or a tune aficionado, our website provides articles for everyone.

    Our sport section is filled with insightful articles that explore various aspects of the sporting world. From the latest updates on your top teams and athletes to in-depth analysis of strategies and techniques, we strive to keep you aware and interested. Whether you’re focused on football, basketball, tennis, or any other sport, you’ll find articles that cater to your interests and help you stay connected to the sports you love.

    Music, like sport, has the power to move and energize us, and our music section reflects this passion. We focus on a varied range of topics, from the latest trends in the music industry to profiles of rising artists. Our articles delve into different genres, give reviews of new releases, and provide insights into the creative processes behind the music you enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, rock, pop, or any other genre, our website is your go-to source for musical content.

    In addition to delivering useful content, our website is intended to foster a community of similar individuals who share a love for sport and music. We urge you to navigate through our articles, interact with the content, and share your thoughts and opinions. Whether you’re looking to stay updated on the latest news or expand your understanding of sport and music, our website is here to guide your experience.

    Reply

  605. In the 11 years I have been taking the pill I have never had such a small, short amount of bleeding, it has always been heavy and lasts the week.
    Does blood pressure medication lisinopril , an effective treatment, at greatly reduced prices
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has a list of DES brand names on their website www.

    Reply

  611. The most common symptoms in women with cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, bleeding after intercourse and pain.
    time you happen to be searching the web for a great remedy, flagyl for uti dosage at discounted prices
    You’ve just gained another regular customer.

    Reply

  627. In turn, you may experience breathlessness during exercise or other activities.
    first-rate online pharmacies the moment you decide to nolvadex for bodybuilding , is it dangerous for someone else to take my pills?Low rates
    However, negative test results do not rule out heartworm infection, and positive test results may or may not mean that there is an active heartworm infection.

    Reply

  633. A person who develops symptoms of anaphylaxis must be treated immediately with an injection of epinephrine.
    If I take neurontin gabapentin can be researched on a pharmacy website.
    Talk to your doctor about the nature of the bleeding, spotting versus a heavy flow.

    Reply

  636. The cause was my own, abusing an antibiotic for too many years as it was easing a rash on my face and I was very young and irresponsible.
    No matter where you live, sites deliver a good price of cephalexin dosage for dogs pills, this site always offers great value
    There are many over the counter remedies which can help alleviate symptoms.

    Reply

  698. Chronic disease also may affect red blood cell production.
    Do health problems affect your life today? Fix them with lotensin and lasix from them.
    The flu can make you feel miserable ‘all over’ and in some cases, can lead to serious illness in susceptible individuals.

    Reply

  702. Then I would try Good Start Gentle in the same way you did the Enfamil and see what happens, going very slowly, with little amounts, watching to see how she reacts.
    Buy a stromectol pill price at specially reduced prices
    The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP within the Administration for Children and Families in the U.

    Reply

  704. The app is receiving high ratings so far with an average of 4.
    Take off problems of erection. Follow this link bactrim 800 mg when you are done analyzing cost savings to get the best
    During a heart attack, blood flow is restricted due to a blockage in a vessel of the heart.

    Reply

  714. I’ve been in reality impressed with CBD gummies and like thc cbd gummies. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly convenient as a replacement for getting a day after day dosage of CBD. I love how cautious they are, making them perfect for when I’m on the go. I’ve as an individual noticed they assistants me slacken and snooze well-advised, especially after a stressful day. The steadfast dosage in each gummy also takes the guesswork into public notice of managing how much CBD I’m consuming. If you’re philosophical of trying CBD, gummies are a monstrous choice—legitimate be foolproof to steal from a trusted tag looking for the subdue results!

    Reply

  728. If the infected appendix is not removed, it can eventually burst or rupture from the buildup of pressure.
    for the drugs you need and get a low price of stromectol uk make sure you handpick the pharmacy.
    It sometimes helps to take vitamin C along with oral iron supplementation to encourage better absorption of the iron.

    Reply

  735. Sinusitis and Nasal Allergies Resource LinksTreating Chronic Allergies Allergy and Asthma Care Seasonal Allergy Relief Skin Allergy Treatment Asthma Treatment for Children Educational Videos Pollen Count Link Recommend Us Riviera Allergy An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergy symptoms and manifestations, such as sinusitis, sinus infections, postnasal drip and asthma attacks.
    Take off problems of erection. Follow this link ivermectin 6mg dosage is easy.
    In that case, your health professional may recommend a laparoscopy to take a look inside your belly.

    Reply

  739. In its milder forms, cats make frequent trips to the litter box, usually passing small amounts of urine.
    If you need to save money on stromectol cost remain in the body?
    So now we are in a new home that we built from scratch with no help but the health side is not improving.

    Reply

  740. Risk taking behaviour and excessive activity may predominate with socially indiscrete behaviour.
    Choose a pharmacy with good customer service to ivermectin drug in order to save money
    Sophie Newcomb Memorial College InstituteTulane National Primate Research CenterSchool of Public Health and Tropical MedicineSchool of Science and EngineeringSchool of Social Work Vitamins may ease diabetes symptoms—Tulane study Dr.

    Reply

  743. When cleaning mold from hard surfaces, commercial products, soap and water or a heavily-diluted bleach solution can be used.
    low prices for your must-have drugs and shippingIf you plan to pharmacy online prescription pills from this online portal
    Most times, it is done to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding.

    Reply

  751. Lymphatic filariasis: A lymphatic filariasis infection happens when a person is bitten by a mosquito containing the roundworms Wucheria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori.
    Take off problems of erection. Follow this link prozac indian pharmacy , an effective treatment, at low prices
    Treatment for anal herpes helps reduce the duration of the outbreak and the intensity.

    Reply

  765. FAQ — Is Valley Fever contagious from animal to animal or animal to human?
    100% guarantee of effectiveness on ED solutions. Visit tadalafil daily , an effective treatment, at low prices
    Then about a month later I started having nausea.

    Reply

  766. If you can determine something you can do that alleviates them, write that down, too.
    Talk to a licensed pharmacist when you purchase online pharmacy europe to manage symptoms
    Anything that disrupts the normal architecture of the urinary tract or reproductive tract the two are anatomically connected predisposes to infection.

    Reply

  774. Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C Printer-friendly PDF of Hepatitis C FAQOpens new window 77KB Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat ReaderOpens new window Hepatitis C is a virus that causes chronic inflammation of the liver and liver disease.
    order our best ED meds today! Shop at is tadalafil safe , an effective treatment, at low prices
    As people age, bone mass decreases.

    Reply

  777. You may have progesterone treatment to help slow the growth of womb cancer that has returned after other types of treatment.
    Do all pharmacy websites offer vardenafil overdose when you are buying it online.
    Septic shock can affect anyone susceptible to the germs that cause infection.

    Reply

  778. These hernias are related to naturally occurring weaknesses in the tissues that normally anchor the gastroesophageal junction to the diaphragm and to activities or conditions that increase pressure within the abdomen.
    People realized that by searching for tadalafil order online is by comparing prices from pharmacies
    Krilov L, Fisher M, Friedman S, et al.

    Reply
  780. Pingback: FB URL Shortener
  781. Pingback: itme.xyz

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND