Guy Claireaux at Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins et Aquacoles, CNRS-IFREMER, France
Name
Guy Claireaux
Title
Dr
Individuals Company
Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Marins et Aquacoles, CNRS-IFREMER, France.
How did you get interested in marine biology
I was raised on an island (Saint-Pierre & Miquelon) in the middle of one of the best fishing ground in the world (the Grand Bank of Newfoundland). At that time, fishing was the main activity and people's income was strongly related to the fisheries yield. When I turned 18, I spent 2 months on a research vessel and I realised then how little we knew about fish and their interactions with the environment. I decided to go to France to study marine biology (I got my PhD in 1988). In the early 90ies (I was a postdoc in Canada at the time) the collapse of the cod fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic sadly confirmed my first impression, that the sustainable exploitation of marine resources necessarily implied increasing our understanding of fish physiology, ecology and behaviour.
Did you go through any training while going to school that was beneficial
Every summer during my university years I was able to work in various marine laboratories. This was essential in my training and later in my career as a scientist. Being able to speak English was also crucial.
Does the career field have potential to expand in the future? Is the career field a good option for both students and professionals considering a career switch?
My deep feeling is that scientific research is about passion, not about advisability, recognition or money. During their training, students should visit as many laboratories as possible, to make sure they like it for what it is: pure fun at testing hypotheses.
I work 5 days a week, 9 AM to 6 PM. 25% of my day is networking via Email with the scientific community, 25% is supervising students, 25% is actual experimental work or data analysis and the rest is administration, meetings…
Can you explain your best experience in the profession ?
The best times for me have always come at international meetings. These are challenging times where you try your best at explaining to others the ideas you have been testing. I always come back from these events with loads of new ideas, and potential collaborations with colleagues from around the world. It is my main source of motivation.
Do you collaborate with other professionals in Europe or internationally?
It is an essential part of my daily activity. Science is done via international networks. For example, in Europe, the main source of funding is the European Framework Program. This program requires the constitution of international consortiums.
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