• Question: how old do you need to be a scientist?

    Asked by rush520rebs on 7 Apr 2025. This question was also asked by Swifto.
    • Photo: Charlotte Slade

      Charlotte Slade answered on 7 Apr 2025:

      You can be a scientist at ANY age!

      Kids are natural scientists – always asking “why?” and “how?” That curiosity is your superpower!
      So, start exploring, experimenting, and asking questions NOW.

      Formal education like university helps, but the most important thing is that you never stop being curious about the world around you. ✨

      Who knows? Maybe YOU’LL make the next big scientific discovery!

    • Photo: Kirsty Ross

      Kirsty Ross answered on 2 Jul 2025:

      You are a natural born scientist so keep asking questions!

      In fact, you might be interested in taking part in citizen science projects. These projects involve researchers working with others to solve their research problems. Zooniverse is a great place where you can actively contribute to ongoing research projects, from transcribing First World War diaries to describing the shape of galaxies, and everything in between.

      Try passing this link onto your teachers 😉 https://www.zooniverse.org/get-involved/educate

Comments

  • Photo: aureliabrzezowska

    aureliabrzezowska commented on :

    Legally, to work in science you need to be at least 16 years old (apprenticeships usually start around then.) but you can honestly work at any age too whether that be through work experience or helping around in a lab. For computing, most people start their career after University of their qualifications, for me this was 21 (during my degree.) Don’t ever feel pressured to start too early nor that it’s too late. Science is for everyone.