Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

The practical side of my research is primarily a service to other scientists and engineers. I develop computer algorithms for solving a variety of mathematical problems, including problems arising in fluid instabilities, plasma physics, astrophysics, and viscoelasticity. (Fantasy scenario: that one day the problem of cold fusion will be resolved, and that my code for computing the plasma dispersion function was used in the computations.)

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

I would go so far as to say that the betterment of society simply cannot occur without research and innovation. In view of diminishing resources and health challenges, even maintaining the status quo would require significant efforts from researchers.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

The funding issue is the obvious and most important aspect. But researchers also need a streamlined and supportive academic environment that does not make unnecessary demands on their time.

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

The aha moment when you finally understand something. And double joy when you realise this leads to a publishable result. Also, the satisfaction of sharing the beauty and power of mathematics with students. I cannot say I found any part of my job challenging before 2020, but the demands the Covid-19 pandemic made on both research and teaching were substantial.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

Try not to lose momentum. Get a good mentor. Aim to publish in the best journals in your field. In research, quality always trumps quantity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

The fact that video communication with researchers all over the world has been brought to our homes and offices will change the way research is done. The benefit could be greatest in developing countries such as ours, because attending international meetings or visiting world leaders used to be the major expense in our research budgets.

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)

I listen to music, more-or-less all genres but classical opera in particular (the free HD broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera was my own personal highlight of the lockdown days). I also watch sports on television and to counteract the tendency to turn into a couch potato, I go for the occasional walk or bike ride. I used to play online chess but lately I have switched to scrabble.