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Scientists interested in a social or humanitarian cause can find diverse research or alternative careers within nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.

"Because I was interested in science and technology as a tool for economic and social development, particularly in the Latin American region, I considered the AAAS job a perfect match."

"One of the great rewards of my job is getting to sit at the deliberation table with many of the world's most brilliant scientific minds and being seen as a 'peer'."

"In keeping with my wish to be interdisciplinary, I made sure I kept my horizons as broad as possible during my Ph.D."

Opportunities are expanding for natural and social scientists willing to tackle climate change.

"This educational career would have never been possible for me at a German University, where the science stream does not allow you to change departments while studying for your Diploma."

"The field has recently seen a major cash injection."

"The work in international cooperation and development is particularly challenging because it calls for knowledge of social geography, communications, and intercultural affairs--in addition to specialist scientific knowledge."

"Even if you are not doing science when you are an advisor, you definitely bring your training as a scientist to the table – and this can be of great benefit," says Nancy Kingsbury, Science Advisor at Natural Resources Canada.

Unwilling to compromise between two seemingly opposed paths, each with its own attractions and impediments, I had chosen to have both.

In all likelihood, a fellowship exists in an area that suits you.

"Perhaps it is better to ask whether the discovery of new medicinal entities should be the most important benefit of bioprospecting."

If you have initiative and energy," advises Kelman, "and are willing to commit to helping people and society, please grasp the opportunities. We need more people.