Enrolling in a PhD is a significant undertaking. It requires a considerable commitment, passion, and determination. Resilience is the key to the success of any PhD student. However, one should enjoy this journey along the way. Here are a few tips to help students navigate their PhD journey with ease and enjoyment.
Imagine a world where diseases are detected before symptoms manifest, treatments are tailored to your unique genetic makeup, and healthcare workflows run with unprecedented efficiency. This isn't science fiction; it's the burgeoning reality powered by Artificial Intelligence, a force poised to transform every facet of medicine fundamentally.
The doctoral journey is a transformative period, marked by intense intellectual engagement, personal growth, and the pursuit of original research. Central to this experience is the relationship between the PhD student and their supervisor. This guide aims to provide PhD students with a comprehensive understanding of how to identify, comprehend, and navigate challenging or problematic relationships with their supervisors, offering strategies for resolution and self-preservation. Read more
The pursuit of a PhD is often romanticised as a noble quest for knowledge, a deep dive into the frontiers of human understanding. Yet, beneath this veneer of intellectual idealism lies a harsher reality for many: a period fraught with significant financial strain and profound uncertainty about the future. Consider this: "The average PhD graduate in the U.S. emerges with over $88,000 in student loan debt (EducationData.org, 2020 data), a figure that starkly contrasts with the modest stipends many subsist on." I remember conversations with colleagues, hushed and anxious, about stretching a $25,000 annual stipend to cover rent in a city where a one-bedroom apartment alone could cost $2,000 a month. This experience, of juggling groundbreaking research with the stark reality of their bank accounts, is far too common.
Enrolling in PhD studies is a significant step in anyone's academic career. It is an endeavour that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and requires PhD students to evolve into independent scholars. The PhD research demands constant focus, determination and mental strength to pursue the committed project. This, in turn, makes the PhD students vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Read more
In the past couple of years, we have seen remarkable developments in artificial intelligence (AI), mainly in the field of large language models (LLMs). Whether we like it or not, generative AI-based applications will be part of everybody’s life. They should not be seen as a threat to our development. Instead, we should know how they can benefit us. For a good reason, many concerns and uncertainties exist concerning their use in academia and the education system. Here, I will discuss how AI technologies and other generative AI-based systems benefit students and academic teachers.
Converting scientific research into an engaging presentation is an art. As researchers and students, we invest a significant amount of time and effort into our work, and it's only fair that we present it in a way that captivates our audience and effectively communicates our findings. A well-crafted, compelling scientific presentation can make all the difference in securing funding, publishing our research, or influencing policy decisions. It showcases our expertise and helps bridge the gap between science and the public, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of scientific advancements.
I discuss practical tips and strategies for creating an engaging, compelling, and interesting scientific presentation. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or a nervous first-timer, these insights will help you connect with your audience and effectively communicate your message. Read more
Institutional racism refers to one community suppressing the other. Stokely Carmichael and Charles V. Hamilton first used the term in their 1967 book Black Power: The Politics of Liberation. In my opinion, institutional racism in the higher education, universities, and scientific research sectors is a pervasive issue. It involves systemic discrimination and bias permeating institutions, policies, practices, and attitudes. This type of racism is often subtly embedded within the fabric of these systems, making it challenging to identify and address.
The history of racism in higher education dates back to the founding of colleges and universities in America. Many of these institutions were established to explicitly train white men, excluding black students from societal leadership positions. As a result, students of colour were excluded from higher education for centuries. Even after formal segregation ended in the mid-20th century, significant barriers to access and success persisted for minority students. Read more
In this competitive world, managing work expectations alongside spending time with family and on personal interests is a delicate balancing act. This balance is essential for everyone, regardless of their profession. However, it's necessary for scientists who often juggle multiple responsibilities - from conducting research and teaching duties to maintaining social connections and self-care. A healthy work-life balance can enhance productivity, creativity, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. The importance of work-life balance for scientists is underscored by the fact that they tend to be deeply dedicated to their jobs, often putting in long hours and sacrificing personal time to pursue breakthrough discoveries. However, this relentless pursuit of knowledge without a healthy balance can lead to burnout, stress, and even physical health issues.
In today's fast-paced world, scientific research has become increasingly complex and interdisciplinary. This complexity brings various opportunities for advancements in multiple fields, such as medicine, technology, engineering, and social sciences. However, with these advancements come challenges that require a robust ethical framework to ensure responsible conduct of research. Unethical conduct in scientific research can lead to severe consequences on the individual level, including loss of reputation, career damage, and even legal penalties. On a broader scale, unethical practices can undermine public trust in the research community and jeopardise future investments in research and development.