Chat with Barry J. Marshall scientist

(Photo: TTO) Australian scientist Barry J. Marshall received the 2005 Nobel Prize in medicine in Stockholm (Sweden) with his colleague, Dr. Robin Warren. He agreed to an open conversation with Youth (though only online) about commitment, about the ideal of a scientist.

Scientific path

* How does the Nobel Prize affect his daily life and scientific career? How did you feel when you received the news about this award?

Barry J.MarsHall was born on September 30, 1951, now a researcher, senior lecturer and doctor at The University of Australia, one of the largest universities in Australia.

Since 1982, along with Dr. Robin Warren, he began to study Helicobacter bacteria in stomach ulcers.

But that is not an easy way because the type of 'Helicobacter bacteria that causes stomach ulcers' has been considered a crazy idea. All theories then assume that 'bacteria cannot live in the acidic environment of the stomach'.

They remained determined with their orientation until their success with the highest award: the 2005 Nobel Prize in medicine. In the photo: Marshall (left) and Warren share the joy of receiving the Nobel Prize at the concert hall. in Stockholm, Sweden on December 10, 2005.

- Barry J.MarsHall: It was a strange feeling when I suddenly reached the highest goal in scientific research. At that time I thought: 'Oh, this is great. But what will I do for the rest of my life? ' . But that fact is not difficult to decide because I'm still interested in continuing to study Helicobacter. Therefore, I will continue my work, and that is also my hobby, passion, entertainment.

* What led you to Helicobacter research?

- The study of Helicobacter began when Dr. Warren showed me the bacteria under a microscope. I agreed with his opinion that these bacteria are very abnormal in numbers, showing that they live in the stomachs of sick people, not just the bacteria of the outside environment.

This is a very special observation because at the time medical books all said that the stomach was sterile and the bacteria could not survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. Therefore, I was very excited with the prospect of discovering a new bacterium and have a new study in a specialized scientific journal.

Although at the time I was planning to become a general practitioner, I still felt that a specialized research article would be good for me before devoting all my time to the doctor's career. And so, my career changed in a very interesting way, turning to research on infectious diseases and gastroenterology. However, now I continue to be a treating doctor.

* In recent years, more and more research teams have been awarded Nobel prizes. How do you assess the effectiveness of teamwork in the process of scientific research?

- Teamwork is essential in scientific research, but the creative idea is often discovered by one or two people. People who play a major role in the co-study process can publish their research independently but must still recognize others' contributions publicly.

Often, co-researchers of a project can become co-authors for later studies. There are also times when our views are not identical. At that time, it is important to be humble, sincere and compromised to find common ground at the point of need.

In fact, taking my own experiment to prove Helicobacter causes stomach ulcers is only the last resort after six months of unsuccessful attempts to test pigs. This is an experiment prepared, very carefully planned and very successful. Indeed, I didn't even realize that this detail is so popular in the world today.

* What are you currently studying? What do you plan to do in the future?

- I am continuing to study Helicobacter. I am going to prepare a new company for vaccine research. I also plan to re-study genes if I have free time.

* What do you think is important for scientific research? Many young people in Vietnam today think that scientific research is impractical by doing business. In your opinion, what should be done to encourage young people passionate about scientific research?

- In my opinion, the most important thing with science is curiosity and passion. But you can't get new discoveries if you don't master the basics of research. So it takes a few years to learn and draw experience before starting to focus on research and finding new findings in a new field.

At the same time on the path to success, competitive competition and a little bit of difficult challenge are also quite important for the researcher. This will encourage them to work harder to find a completely new, different style than others.

Maybe many people will say that you are too passionate about work, but if you spend your free time working or studying what you really love, you will find it very interesting and feel that it is a pleasure. entertainment rather than a hard working day. For example, I studied the cat's stomach in my garage on the weekends. I often take pictures of them and do other chemical experiments . This is very useful even though it is not directly related to my main job.

In terms of leverage to encourage research in Vietnam, in my opinion, one of the priorities is that the Government should devote funds for granting scholarships to train and even go to study abroad, to train a home team. Qualified young science catches up with international standards. Then, how to turn research into a professional career in which independent university and research teaching needs to be paid on par with other disciplines. That way, it will attract the most talented students to the cause of scientific research.

Ordinary life

* Do you encourage your children to continue their scientific career?

What I want to say is try to study what I really love. This will help you not only 'work' but also 'play' according to your preferences.

- All four of my children have grown up and have their own careers. A son follows the computer industry, a daughter works as an Internet programmer, another is a graphic artist and the other is an office clerk. My wife follows psychology and visual arts. We had three grandchildren - internal.

* How does a father - a scientist educate his children?

- My children go to school in Australia and in the US. They study in public schools and sometimes in private schools (at times when we have enough money to support). As mentioned above, my children are mature and choose careers in their own direction. In my opinion, children should be encouraged to learn all the knowledge, if possible, a little more emphasis on math and science subjects. Well, in addition, I think it is important to note that children who learn language, especially English, are good because expressing their scientific reports and communicating their scientific discoveries is also very important.

In general, my husband and I only want our children to be safe, happy and not dependent on their parents. Until now, I think we are quite successful in raising our children, and I am very pleased with that.

* Is there any difference when studying at a Nobel Prize-winning scientist?

- When I was a student, I learned quite outstandingly, however, I was quite addicted to playing, easily attracted by strange games. Back then, I mostly liked learning all subjects but hated to memorize anything. I always try to understand the key issues of problems, events . without memorizing anything. I am very interested in electricity, physics and chemistry, because I can tinker with practice at home.

I remember when I was 12 years old, my parents bought me a microscope and some chemical experiment tools so I could play around with my research. As for biology, I can only touch two parts: biology related to people and medicine, because I only have books related to those two areas.

Like other kids, I like to read books about dinosaurs and fossils. I also like to explore the human body. Among the subjects, I think math is somewhat tough. Now I'm a little sorry because I didn't try to study math at that time, because it's the foundation for many other science subjects.

In terms of sports, I'm not very good, especially poor in athletics. However, swimming is also temporary, at least playing better than other sports.

Celebrating Vietnam

* Have you ever visited Vietnam, how do you understand our VN?

 

J. Marshall during his lecture in Vietnam (Photo: TTO)

- Very interesting when you ask this question. Please see my pictures in VN to visualize my trip.

My impression is that VN is very interesting with people who are very friendly and strong and energetic. I believe that Vietnam will achieve great success in the near future.

I did a big journey along VN. This trip was organized by my wife, Adrienne, on the occasion of my lecture in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. We really like both cities because both are very contradictory.

My husband and I also visited Ha Long and Hoi An. It was an interesting trip and we were very touched by the hospitality of the people. However, I think the biggest problem that Vietnam tourism needs to do is develop highways to be able to move faster from one end of the country to the other.

* Thank you Sir.

 

HOANG HONG made