Previous posts

December 20, 2011

Written by: Saskia

There are many things in research that we can’t predict, that we don’t have control over, the results of our data analysis for example, occasionally they support our original hypotheses, frequently they do not and it is up to us scientists to decipher what, if our initial hypothesis isn’t correct, the data do tell us. However, there are other more basic and mortal things that are beyond our control too, such as the weather.

I was all geared-up to go to the annual Society in Science symposium in Zurich at the end of November when my travels and plans were brought to a crashing halt due to the presence of fog. 

I had checked in, gone through security, bought a coffee, sat down and looked at the departures board above my head, only to find that my flight’s status was ‘cancelled’. After queuing for two hours I’d been rescheduled on another flight departing that afternoon. I went through security, bought lunch, sat down and…flight cancelled! Every time the flight got cancelled I had to clear immigration again, even though I hadn’t managed to leave the UK. This time it took 4.5 hours of queuing, only to be rescheduled for a flight departing Monday afternoon. Considering the Symposium only lasted Monday and Tuesday, and I was scheduled to fly back Tuesday evening this wouldn’t give me much time in Zurich. I was provided with a night’s hotel; after more queuing at reception I was tired. I finally got to the room and opened the door…only to find someone else was already in the room! The lights were on, a pilot’s uniform hung neatly on the rack, the bathroom door was open and the shower was running! All I could do was laugh.

November 10, 2011

Written by: Saskia

Welcome to the iVolcán Research blog. The aim of this blog to give an insight into the research and its progress, not just the glamorous results presented at the end, but the true process of research, with its pitfalls, dirty, smelly and boring jobs but also the exciting (hopefully!) discoveries and sunny days in the field.

At the moment I am two months into this research project and I am preparing for the field season early next year. This means deciding what data I am going to feasibly collect, how I am going to collect it and where. I am also testing equipment to ensure it works, preparing sampling materials in the lab and of course making travel arrangements.