"Ah, I see. I would imagine it's good to keep rooted in academia at least a smidge, working on campus now and then." He imagines a great deal about the scientific life that is likely not at all accurate.

"In its infancy? Hmmm. I'm not so sure that was the case where I'm from. Not that I made much effort keeping up with anything beyond a lay interest." Not that he kept up with most things even to that level.

"I'm coming to understand in my very short time here that many of us are from different worlds altogether. You seem English and speak of London. What year is it for you?" Perhaps it's merely a time difference and not that of place.