Nature India | Indigenus

Greenhorn blues

As I get to speak to more and more research scholars in this country, I sense the increasing frustration in them on account of the usual peeves — poor facilities and meagre resources. But something far more worrisome is the angst brewing up because of insensitive seniors. Sparks flew when a researcher scratched the surface of this controversial topic recently. I have been wondering if this is a majority situation. Are Indian labs really unfriendly towards young researchers?

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    raja sekhara reddy ravuri said:

    No one can answer this question by simply saying yes or no. This is the product of our thinking and mindset. We all learn how to think and work from our seniors. That is where it all begins. We depend on them completely to learn new things. And while doing so, we give them the authority to ride us. The personal relations between the “Boss” and our senior makes things even more complicated. It is so difficult to assess any situation in the lab. The main problem lies in the fact that we want to steal the product of others’ hard work. We want to get name and fame in the scientific society but don’t want to work hard to earn it. We live with the attitude “let others do the work and I will use the end product”. Changing technology is giving us scope to do things faster that what we could even a couple of years ago. People are unable to handle this and they want juniors to work in the same old fashion. May be this is the reason why the clash comes in. To resolve this, we must accept new trends and should use this under the guidance of those who know.

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    amit said:

    Hi all,

    I agree to an extent that senoirs use juniors as clerks in most labs of the country. But I also feel that this is how juniors get exposed to new techniques and become proficient in some. This is a learning curve for them. How can they start off on their own when they can’t even run a gel all by themselves (most masters courses end up giving a demo)?

    I believe that the seniors and juniors should get along doing collaborative science rather than a senior telling the other what to do for him/her. Now, the question — can these duscussions change the age-old customs overnight? Well, the answer is yes and no. Yes, if you want to and no, if you are least bothered. If you really want to bring about a change then start off with yourself. If you are a senior — don’t overwork your juniors to run your errands. If you are a junior — don’t let your seniors use you beyond a limit, though that’s pretty tough.

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    Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose said:

    Hi,

    If I am to answer in a single word – it is YES. The fact is that most of the Indian research crowd is brewed in the colonial educational style, thus arises the question of seniors and juniors. In science, there is nothing such as senior and junior, it is only facts and truths, no matter who states it and who proves it. What has to change is the system that produces mechanical minds instead of scientists.

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    luke albarin said:

    (Speaking from an ex-colonial perspective in the UK!)….

    The best team leaders are those who encourage and enthuse younger members – and who never forget that they too were once just that! Some of my greatest satisfaction has come from spotting potential and having the luxury of being able to give it space to blossom…

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    B. Parvatheeswara Rao said:

    Of course, my immediate response is “Yes” to some extent. But, “poor facilities and meagre resources” is a lame excuse more often. Now, there is enormous scope for interaction with international scientific community. In fact, you don’t really need much facilities or resources, if you have ideas. In the current scenario, the need of the hour is a change in the way you think and the manner in which you set your goals. You just make your aims big, see from time to time where you really stand, and the rest follows automatically irrespective of whether you are a senior or junior.

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    ashok reddy said:

    In research, facilities are not a problem. Researchers have to work with available resources. In some ways, I completely support Raja Sekhara Reddy Ravuri’s comments.

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    Dr. R. Dayal Yadav said:

    Top sitting Generals in Indian science are unfriendly. They are self centered and are close to policy makers. Their removal is more important.

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    Mayil vahanan said:

    I believe this senior – junior issue is everywhere…But it all depends on the individual, how he/she takes it? For me, if I have to learn something from my senior i have to adjust according to them. Once you have established yourself in the lab, the going is easy.

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    Raj said:

    Well, thanks to Subhra for starting this topic. Here I wish to mention that the term “senior” need not refer to scientists with experience. It also refers to some Ph.D. students who want to take control of M.Techs and JRFs. The excuse they give is that M.Techs don’t need papers and JRFs have no thesis and suck all the work without giving credit/chance to grow.

    Also, its happy that most people are aware of the senior-junior issue. Excuses may be many.

    Most people in Nature Network are experienced scientists. So there isvery little chance to hear from the ACTUAL VICTIMS here.