Early career research

By Anonymous (not verified), 6 October, 2021

Academic career development advice for early career researchers  – and those who manage ECRs – including time management, workload, mental health, well-being and networking

By Eliza.Compton, 1 November, 2024

A space where ideas can take shape in the creative arts

Creative writing concept
Out of writer’s block and research into the artistic process have grown a tool and a community to foster new work. Novelist Sue Woolfe describes how an international creativity bar works
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 15 October, 2024

How to preserve academic credibility when engaging with social media

woman typing on laptop, social media
As political expression on social media can harm public perception of scientists, strategies such as sharing research, separating personal and professional identities, and engaging objectively are ways that academics can use it effectively while preserving credibility
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 18 September, 2024

Academics can (and should) be idiots

Microphone on stage in club
The comedy stage can be a place for academics to be silly and let it all hang out. Chris Pahlow explores why humour is effective for scholars and the people they’re trying to communicate with about their research
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 16 September, 2024

The aspiring academic’s career path from PhD to professor

Illustration of a scholar in a lightbulb hot-air balloon
If you have just finished your PhD or postdoc and realised that an academic career needs more than published papers and teaching, Jan Buermann has advice on how to kick-start progress up the ladder
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 2 September, 2024

Why is no one listening?

One red megaphone in line of blue, clear communication concept
Academic ways of communicating are often the exact opposite of what you need to draw widespread attention to your research, writes Simon Hall. Here are simple ways to help your message reach its audience
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 29 August, 2024

How to be visible as an academic

Lecturer giving a talk
Working hard and taking on extra responsibilities isn't enough to guarantee career development these days. You also have to build your profile
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 9 August, 2024

Teaching public policy research skills to tomorrow’s leaders

Various sqiggly arrows straightening into the same direction, blended learning concept
When students learn the fundamentals of public policy research, they also acquire tools to evaluate how institutions operate and how those same tools can be used to solve problems in their communities. This blended learning approach can level up these skills
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 31 July, 2024

How to make enterprise activities enjoyable and impactful

Networking event
Incorporating knowledge exchange and enterprise activities into demanding academic schedules can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are ways to make it enjoyable, rewarding and impactful
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 29 July, 2024

How a strong network can enhance the PhD journey

Blocks joined with string networking concept
Connections and collaborations can help PhD students (and their supervisors) cut through the isolation of research. Here’s how to leverage those links into employability
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 23 July, 2024

Five ways to connect PhD students with industry

A PhD graduate in cap and gown stands with her back to the camera
Developing industry experience is often the last thing on the minds of the PhD community, but nurturing partnerships between academia and industry can enrich the journey, believes Maria-Christina Vogkli
Reading time
3minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 15 July, 2024

Walking the tightrope towards tenure

Asian woman in job interview
Achieving a permanent academic position requires a deft juggle of research, teaching and service. Here, Cheong Fan offers advice on how to keep your balance
By kiera.obrien, 8 July, 2024

An introvert’s guide to networking

A shy owl peeks from a hollowed-out tree trunk
For academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out there
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 21 June, 2024

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Male university student in library
Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 19 June, 2024

Buddy system: creating community through writing

College students in the library
Is a writing group or partner an effective antidote to post-pandemic isolation during doctoral education? Lena Steveker and Laura Spadon explain how to put a forum for belonging in place
By kiera.obrien, 19 June, 2024

Master the art of online and in-person interviewing

A woman waves to others over a video call
Interviewing experts is a key part of scientific research, so it’s important to hone your skills. Mahra Haitham Al Hosani and Mariam Shadan provide eight tips – and three things to avoid
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 18 June, 2024

How to structure your PhD thesis

PhD student writing her dissertation
Organising your PhD thesis in a logical order is one of the crucial stages of your writing process. Here is a list of the individual components to include
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 18 June, 2024

Get your PhD thesis beach ready

Two sun loungers sit on white sand, shaded by a yellow beach umbrella
Prepping for the beach requires planning, effort and time management – and so does writing a PhD thesis. John Sinclair offers advice for summer days and doctoral nights
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 17 June, 2024

Informal networking and how to meet people on campus

Young Asian woman greeting friend at cafe
Belonging is not just a result of being in a place – nor it is the sole preserve of students. For university faculty, it comes from chance encounters, small gestures and stepping outside your comfort zone, writes Glenn Fosbraey
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 17 June, 2024

How to navigate the PhD thesis

A woman takes notes from an open textbook
The PhD thesis may be a mountain to climb, but you can take it one step at a time. Luis R Rojas-Solórzano offers his guidance
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 6 June, 2024

Emotionally challenging research and researcher well-being

Woman taking history from young woman
Researchers who navigate emotionally challenging topics need support that includes well-being plans, advice on handling distress and risk assessment guidance, writes Tina Skinner. Her work has led to a series of resources for universities
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 5 June, 2024

‘Augmenting’ the doctoral thesis in preparation for a viva

A research student undergoing her viva exam
The viva voce exam is the final hurdle for PhD students, but for most it is also a new and fear-inducing experience. Edward Mills offers one framework to help those preparing to discuss their completed thesis at length
Reading time
5minutes
By kiera.obrien, 4 June, 2024

One thesis, two supports, three months

A pin stuck in a calendar on a date that reads: "Write your thesis!"
Completing a thesis within 12 weeks may seem impossible, but by combining AI and your supervisor’s expertise, it can be done. Mariam Shadan shows how
Reading time
5minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 22 May, 2024

How to answer viva questions

A woman being interviewed in a panel
Preparing for a PhD viva can be stressful, but you can take steps to ensure you answer the examiners’ questions about your thesis well. Jenny Scoles provides tips
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 10 May, 2024

How not to land a job in academia

Young man having stressful job interview
Not interested in teaching? Check. No publications? Check. Not keen to offer service? Check. Flip this list of what not to do in applying for jobs for tips to help secure that academic position
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 8 May, 2024

Four ways to defeat public speaking anxiety

Two people address a crowd; a display with pie charts is behind them
Even experienced academics can get anxious before public speaking. Fikrican Kayıkçı suggests four ways to approach speeches with confidence
Reading time
3minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 7 May, 2024

Taming anxiety around public speaking

Public speaking concept
Public speaking is a skill that inspires dread in many: fear of judgement, of making mistakes, of facing unpredictable circumstances. Here, Patty Raun draws on her experience as an actor to share tips for quelling the anxiety
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 6 May, 2024

How to tackle the PhD dissertation

Woman writing in a notebook
Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 1 May, 2024

Practical ways to ease presentation nerves

Woman giving a presentation
One way to offset public-speaking anxiety is to have confidence in your presentation. Brandi Quesenberry shares the keys to making your presentation shine and ensuring that it is memorable, impactful and successful
By Laura.Duckett, 24 April, 2024

Playing the promotion game: how to navigate upshifting

Woman sitting at her laptop with her head in her hands
Done well, upshifting helps you to gain experience and develop capabilities that support your career development and promotion prospects, write educators at the University of Bristol
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 15 April, 2024

Effective public-speaking techniques for university faculty

Woman giving a presentation
University faculty need public-speaking skills when they seek to engage students, collaborate with colleagues, secure funding and further their careers. Patty Raun leverages her skills as a stage actor to help higher education professionals improve their presentation chops
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 11 April, 2024

How to make public engagement work for early career academics

Group of students in greenhouse
Academics need to be able to translate what they research to engage a wide range of audiences. But to do that, scientists must first find the public engagement shape that fits them and their schedule. Here’s advice for getting started
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 27 March, 2024

Publication-based doctorate: is it for me?

Asian scholar working at laptop, PhD by publication
Potential research higher degree candidates from academia or industry will need to decide between a doctorate by thesis or by publication. Here are key questions to ask before embarking on the doctoral journey
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