Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

What do you guys think of alternative career paths in physics away from academia free from the usual academic shackles?

Examples: Garrett Lisi who spends his time surfing and skiing while not working on E8.

Or Daniel Bedingham who is able to support himself part-time as an investment banker when not working on quantum mechanics.

Or Julian Barbour who supports himself by translating Russian journal articles into English when not working on quantum gravity.

Is it feasible to count upon Foundational Questions Institute to support such unconventional career paths using Templeton money?

share|improve this question
1  
Look for gossip at your local marketplace and pubs. Voting to close. – Marek Apr 2 '11 at 11:25
1  
There is an Academia proposal in progress, it would be on-topic there. – mbq♦ Apr 2 '11 at 12:52

closed as off topic by Marek, mbq♦ Apr 2 '11 at 12:51

Questions on Physics Stack Exchange are expected to relate to physics within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote

Before closure, thanks for informing me of the foundational question institutes ' existence :) .

According to the link :

It has run two worldwide grant competitions. The first competition provided US $2M to 30 projects

Any researcher who can compete is free to try for those 30 grants. On the other hand academic and research posts run into the hundreds.

share|improve this answer