After being inundated with brilliant entries, we have finally managed to whittle down our list of winners. They reference Beyonce, are frank about their personal experiences, and are sure to make you laugh as well as think in new ways about working in science.

{credit}Tsha/Shutterstock{/credit}

We received hundreds of entries for our careers columnist contest this year. Applicants from all over the world sent us their personal take on the highs and lows of a career in science. Whilst they all focussed on the issues facing young career scientists today, topics ranged from sexism in science to media representation of scientific issues, a great many focused on relationships and tough decisions, others on breakthrough moments of elation, or disappointment and dejection. Choosing the winners was incredibly tough, and this is reflected in the fact that the judging panel decided to select eight finalists in total.

The winners will be writing and blogging in the careers section of Nature and on the Naturejobs blog in the coming months. The topics they cover are varied, but their passion for communicating their work and experiences of their science careers to date are universal. In the meantime, here’s a quick introduction to our winners, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for all the updates.

Susie Crowe is a Canadian PhD student at Carleton University, whose engaging account of the difficult decisions that often come with a career in science saw her through to the finalists. Continue reading →