The ‘good old days’

Abstract

Apart from the difficulties in securing a long‐term position, many an eminent scientist has preferred the status of postdoc because it gives them the freedom to pursue what they are interested in. Sydney Brenner, one of the pioneers of molecular biology, has always been curious about new things. He said, “I think my real skills are in getting things started—that's gone through my whole life. In fact, it's what I enjoy most, the opening game. And I'm afraid that once it gets past …