Dive into a world of insightful articles, captivating stories, and expert guidance from this institution’s researchers. Explore the latest findings, cutting-edge research, and engaging narratives that contribute to the ever-evolving realm of knowledge.

Applications and Funding
Mikaila Chetty

Applying for a PhD in the Sciences: A 7-Step Guide

This article provides a step-by-step guide for people interested in pursuing a PhD, particularly in the sciences (though much of the advice carries over to other disciplines as well). It emphasizes the importance of identifying personal interests and goals, fully researching different programs, and knowing the key differences between doing a PhD in different countries.

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Experiences
Anita Chonzi

Full-Circle Journey of a Doctoral Student: Applications, Interviews, and Mentoring Others 

This article takes the reader on a journey of a doctoral student, from applications, interviews, and building a relationship with supervisors, to coming full circle by mentoring other students starting out and facing challenges. The writer shares their advice and their own personal experience of each stage, including their fulfilling mentoring work promoting awareness of mental wellbeing among PhD students.

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Academic Careers
Sheng-Hsiang Lance Peng

‘Spectral Schedules’ in Postdoctoral Applications: The Case for Transparency and Consistency in Academic Hiring  

This article highlights the issue of unclear and unpredictable application processes for postdoctoral opportunities in the UK and beyond. Drawing on philosophical concepts like hauntology, it calls for universities to honour (or refrain from setting!) their ‘outcome announcement’ dates, as this would alleviate disappointment and foster greater fairness and transparency in postdoctoral applications.

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Academic Careers
Chris Thompson

Should I Complete Side Projects as a PhD Student?

‘Side projects’ are valuable additional endeavours alongside your PhD that can build your skillset, relevant connections and future employability – both in and outside of academia. This article discusses some common side project ideas for PhD students, and highlights some of the short-term sacrifices required to complete them.

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Academic Careers
Chris Thompson

To Be or Not To Be (a Reviewer 2): Should I Review Articles as a PhD Student?

For the wheels to continue turning in research, we need reviewers. Although often a thankless endeavour (littered with Reviewer 2 jokes), acting as a gatekeeper for the integrity of your research field remains vital. As a PhD student, you may find the process of reviewing a manuscript pretty novel, but a reviewer request email may enter your inbox in the near future. This article guides you through the pros and cons of reviewing articles.

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Experiences
Adriana Cantón

It’s Your PhD: How to Deal With Unhelpful Advice

This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!

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