Kristian G. AndersenGeverifieerd account

I propose that we ban the phrase ‘virus hunter’. This is largely self-promoting bluster in an age where metagenomics makes discovering new viruses a simple matter. Time to move on.

Problem is, we also live in a time where self-promoting bluster is necessary for any chance of a career in science. Finding new viruses is easier than ever, the tricky part is working out why they matter (if at all).

Self-promoting bluster is necessary? I’m thinking about the scientists with the careers I admire the most and what they all have in common is a complete lack of exactly that.

100% agree. The more you know, the less you show.

I, for one, love being shown clips of Contagion at professional meetings.

I always show the Outbreak poster but use it as a cautionary tale that I am in the 1 in 1000 for whom choosing their life’s vocation based on a Dustin Hoffman film actually worked out.

My biggest disappointment in life is that when they show a phylogeny in Contagion they are not using FigTree.