Why do we choose an academic career?
The answer to this question is different for every person. If you ask me, we do not discuss it frequently enough, and perhaps not even reflect enough on it for ourselves.
In the fascinating but laborious academic life, it may take many years to get a feeling of sufficiency and achievement. And so, reflecting on such life choices that we have worked so hard for does not feel that comfortable.
In this episode, I re-air a conversation that I had seven years ago, with neuroscientist Wim Otte. This conversation had a profound effect on my own perception of an academic career, and several topics that we discussed are still relevant to this day.
I may even say that they are at the heart of the recognition and rewards programme: Why do we do what we do in the university? What do success and academic achievement mean?
