  Over the last few decades, the nature of scientific research has changed in
response to external influences. Firstly, powerful networked computers have
become a standard tool. Secondly, society presses ever harder for research to
deliver something "useful" back to society, both through the kinds of funding
opportunities that are made available, and through a critical public eye. Many
funding agencies now demand "deliverables" that seem to select research of a
particular kind. Lastly, teamwork, often within very large projects, has become
commonplace.
  Here, we step back and ask how prospective research scientists might select
productive research projects in this evolving environment. We hope that our
suggestions might also help to improve public understanding and thereby restore
flagging faith in science.
