correspondence
11
What are you currently working on, and how is it at the cutting edge of scientific discovery?
Currently I have a somewhat forced fascination with dredging, who knew how apparently interesting it is! Luckily I am still able to get down with the lobsters on occasion. Only two days ago I met some Canadian lobsters for the first time at Billingsgate market at some unearthly hour, they had an interesting accent, like snowboarding and say 'aye' after every sentence. Hopefully we will remain pen pals.
What are you hoping to work on in the future?
A boat.
Apart from Science, what do you get up to in your spare time?
Half the time my bikes make me cycle ridiculous distances in various parts of the country, and the rest of my time (and most of my money) is spent in the public drinking houses of Gravesend, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.
In light of the extraordinary discoveries made by the SJIS in its short history, many are saying that there isn’t anything left to discover. What do you say to this, and how are you still in a job?
There is still plenty to discover, particularly in marine resource management, this field is still very much in its juvenile stage and the UK has got a long way to go. Although this is all very exciting and there's a lot of work to do, it will never be quite as cool as going for a super-long bike ride and finishing up with a sparkling cider in the sunshine!
Who gives presents to lobsters?
Please don't waste my time with such simple questions. Everyone knows it's Santa Claws.
Dr Hyland, thank you very much for your time. We will be sure to keep an eye on any lobster news – who knows, it could even be a side feature one day!
Dear SJIS
With science fiction becoming an increasingly popular genre in all media, from books to film to games, have you considered a scifi feature in your journal?
Rachel
Dear Rachel,
The SJIS is a world-leading (some would say universe-leading) scientific publication. We only publish the best, most pioneering and revolutionary science. This means that any fiction would lower the standards and demean the real scientists who strive to publish their work in our esteemed journal. Also, and unlike the 'Sciences' and 'Natures' of this world, we don't need such frivolous content to boost our readership levels and impact factor.
Dear SJIS
After reading the report last issue on the multiverse, I was shaken to my very core. Not only was there stuff outside the world, but a whole universe out there and it didn't revolve around me. This has made me question my religion, as I'm sure it has others. How can you live with yourselves?!
Barry
Dear Barry,
Easily. It's not our fault religions are wrong - we didn't write them. Now you're more enlightened about the truth, you can go on to live a rich, fulfilling life.