Hard work has been part of every laureate’s journey towards the Nobel Prize. Many examples. Francoise Barré-Sinoussi spent time in the lab on the morning of her wedding. After Michael Brown’s first daughter was born, he went straight back to discuss the next day’s experiments. Early-career scientists often ask laureates (获奖者) about work-life balance. 【小题1】

Spend time with your family and friends. Many laureates stress the value of maintaining personal relationships. Doctor Brian Kobilka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. 【小题2】 However, despite a heavy workload, he also made time for his family. As Brian Kobilka explains, family provides essential support.

Sleep well at night. 【小题3】 It is therefore tempting to finish work before health-promoting activities. However, this is a trap which Oliver Smithies advises against. Not only is sleep needed to stay healthy, but your brain needs sleep to function at full capacity so you can generate ideas and solve problems.

【小题4】 Family, work and sleep are all important to a scientist’s success. But they don’t all have to be a constant focus. Sometimes it will be important to avoid maintaining everything at a high level. Don’t be daunted by the idea you have to do everything perfectly at once — you can have a different focus at different times.

Don’t work too hard. Ultimately, working too hard won’t be beneficial. Not only do you risk burning yourself out, but you are also restricted in your thinking. Taking time away from work can allow you to approach problems in a new way. 【小题5】 Laureates often point out that working long hours doesn’t always lead to efficiency.