Category Archives: Science Culture

The Seven Ages of an Academic Scientist

I have been meaning to write about the seven ages of the academic scientist (to adapt Jacques speech from As You Like It) for a while, but I had a sneaking suspicion this might not be an entirely original idea. … Continue reading

Posted in Research, Science Culture | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Personal Tutors or Personal Responsibility

At every stage of one’s career one needs to know who to turn to for advice. This need doesn’t stop just because one is senior, but probably feels most overwhelming when first setting out. That crucial stage when newly independent, … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture, Universities | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Personal Tutors or Personal Responsibility

The Two Opposing Sides of the Desk

At different times in one’s life one is more likely to be an interviewer or an interviewee, but these things are never immutable. As it happens I have been the subject of several interviews recently, something which has made me … Continue reading

Posted in Communicating Science, Science Culture | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Fitting Interpersonal Skills into Academia

There is much talk in higher education about the importance of transferable skills. For a PhD student this means that you receive training in things beyond your own particular field of research. Typically this would include being required to consider … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Advice from the Great and Good

Not so long ago I stumbled across a very enthusiastic review of a new book by the renowned entomologist EO Wilson. The book was not about ants as such, his speciality, but its content can be deduced from the title: … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, Science Culture | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments