From a recent Science profile:
Scientists have been so worried about getting funded that they probably have not invested as much as they should in terms of public awareness. But it seems to me that every tenured faculty in America owes something, and my idea would be tithing 10% of your time for the public good…. I think being part of the public debate is very important—and that’s where we’re overdue.
While I agree with this 110% on theoretical level, in practice, for the puny little salary and superhuman effort/lifestyle many a tenure requires even in rotten hidden places like the T- or U-states i’d say f*** that. Clearly I am getting fed up with the job situation in life sciences and cannot see a smart way out just yet…
Hope your job hunt is going well!
