The impact of a stone falling at high speed in water represents, in a metaphoric way, the type of impact that scientists would like their ideas to have on research. Alternative metrics have emerged to weight the impact of researchers' work, almost in real time. They have become the object of scholarly study to help validate them.
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The largest conference in your field is right around the corner. You might have the prettiest poster and the most tantalising talk, but unless you fully recognise and seize the vast and critical opportunities presented there, your conference experience will be a bust and your career will be negatively affected. Read more [...]
It was a dark and stormy night. Annette was bored with Angry Birds and was dreaming of a way she could expand her horizons, advance her skills and learn more about a particular subject. She was especially interested in working with a certain genius in her field and wondered to herself if there was a fellowship or grant available for which she could apply to aid her in attaining her goal. She did some online research, but lo, there was no grant to be found. Read more [...]
Recently, a newly minted science doctorate asked me for some help finding a job. He had applied for hundreds of advertised openings, both postdoc and non-academic positions, but to no avail. So I asked him about his networking strategy. “What networking strategy?” he replied, clueless to what I was referring. I spent the next hour emphasising the importance of networking in finding hidden job opportunities and communicating your value to decision-makers. I outlined for him a customised networking plan which would enable him to meet and interact with professionals who have the power to hire him for the jobs he so desperately wanted. When our meeting concluded, I asked for feedback on the career consulting session – “Did you find our discussion helpful?” I inquired, thinking I was up for a major pat on the back. “No,” he said instantly. “You didn’t tell me where I can apply for a job or places where there are more advertisements for jobs.” Read more [...]
Do you know your value? Do you know what special talents you have, what kinds of problems you solve, what expertise you bring to an organisation? Most people, even scientists, just don’t know this about themselves. We may think we know, but ask someone to encapsulate their true value within a 30 second self-commercial, and their mind melts to mush. Read more [...]
Charles Fipke studied Geology at the University of British Columbia because “with Geology you can at least get a job”. He is now a multimillionaire diamond magnate. How did he do it? Where does one start in the hunt for diamonds? Read more [...]
In 2012, Dublin will host the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF 2012), Europe’s largest multi-disciplinary scientific conference, from 11-15 July 2012. The Careers Programme will be a major aspect of ESOF 2012 and will showcase the spectrum of career opportunities available for researchers at all stages of their career. Read more [...]
Pivot Points is a monthly column by EuroScientist writer David Bradley. Being exceptional at something is often attributed to one's genetics. Talent is passed down from parents, grandparents, it seems, whether that's musical or artistic skill, being Read more [...]
So you've got a theoretical PhD... but what next? There are some career possibilities which combine the advantages of university and industry. Read more [...]
When I decided to start my PhD, I knew that I’d be required to read and digest academic papers and that my research of these papers would build up into a literal library of knowledge. It is important to organise such a web of information, and I was concerned with how I might find a sufficient way to do so. Mendeley is the way that I found best to index my library. Read more [...]
The Scientist’s web survey of the Best Places to Work in Academia this year must certainly have added another feather to the cap of European science. Of the International Institutions making the top ten, five were European. Read more [...]
Doctoral Training Centres, or DTCs, are a new trend in UK doctoral training and are an alternative option to the traditional PhDs. Simon Hutchinson investigates. Read more [...]
European science conversations by the community, for the community
