(My objective in this article is not to go into the philosophy of science but take a simplistic view for a lay audience)

What is science?

• a method of systematic thinking, and creating new and improved understanding, a method of pursuing knowledge?
• a body of systematically accumulated knowledge?
• a community of people ?
• all of the above?

Characteristics of scientific pursuits and scientists:

• Curiosity to explore, understand and explain
• Desire to add to the body of scientific knowledge
• Accurate, truthful and unbiased descriptions, statement of facts; measured words
• Continuously improving and changing theories and models.  All theories need to be testable.
• No authority. Nothing is sacred
• Enjoyment of the process of science, and not merely focusing on the end point
• Desire to strengthen and enrich the community of scientists (teaching, research training, conferences etc)
• “Immortality”  via far reaching contributions to human understanding