Question: How do you plan to use your knowledge as a scientists to help encourage others after you have retired?

Mark Ritchie answered on 29 Apr 2016:

I am increasingly involved in outreach activities where I try to teach the core concepts and discoveries that other scientists as well as myself have made to kids in grades 6-12 as well as older adults who have the ability to influence decisions about how to use resources. In these activities I am consistently optimistic about the future and constantly point out ways that problems can be solved if people are willing to make a difference. I plan to do even more of this hopefully inspirational work after I retire (which won’t be for a long time, I’m having too much fun!)

I also have trained more than 10 PhD students who are now professional researchers and teachers (professors, government scientists, research experts for non-government organizations). I hope that I have transmitted my scientific approach and optimism to at least some of them, who can then carry on the inspiration of others in their own work.