Question: are you guys being competative but being a good sport too?

K. Lindsay Hunter answered on 21 May 2015:

Everyone has been really respectful as far as I can see, and I’m really glad to have met the other scientists because I’ve enjoyed learning about their work as much as you all have! I’ve been very sad to see people go and, of course, hope that I can win so that I can make my outreach project happen.

I think the good thing about this competition is that really, you just try to give the best answers that you can, and hope for the best. As scientists, we’re kind of used to this. We’re always competing for funding for our projects, but don’t always come out on top. I also think that being snarky or mean wouldn’t help inspire anyone to be a scientist and isn’t the type of environment in which good science thrives.

I do feel good that no matter which scientist wins, YOU ALL WIN because that person is going to try their hardest to bring their amazing science to you in their own unique way. Sure, we may prefer our own projects or methods, but in the end, whatever inspires the next generation of scientists (that’s YOU), is a win for us all!