Tag Archives: eileen parkes

Why scientists should communicate hope whilst avoiding hype

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How we communicate our research is important in maintaining public trust in science

By Eileen Parkes

“Exciting new line of attack for aggressive breast cancer”

I read that headline recently. “Fantastic” I thought, quickly followed by, “How have I missed this?”. My disappointment as I read the article (the new treatment had only been shown to work in cells in the lab, not in humans) turned to anger as I thought what someone with breast cancer might think whilst reading this. Someone who had coped with bad news and difficult treatments, hoping for a cure only to be disappointed again and again by overblown headlines.

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Time management: stressed science needs to slow down

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There’s no shortage of time management advice. Maybe it’s time to reconsider our approach, says Eileen Parkes.

A Saturday morning email from a senior professor arrives. A flurry of Reply All emails swiftly follow. Should I join in — show I’ve read the email on a sunny Saturday?

The academic life has a reputation for long hours. A recent global survey of academics makes bleak reading, with researchers describing ever-increasing workloads and struggles with work-life balance. Earlier this year, academics worldwide joined a Twitter argument about their working hours, with many agreeing that a 60 hour week was an expected part of an academic career. Continue reading →

A culture of kindness: overcoming bullying

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Recognising bullying is the first step to overcoming it, says Eileen Parkes.

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No-one could fail to be moved by the video shared this week of a schoolboy crying over bullying. As adults we hope that we’ve moved away from school bullies. But in academia it seems that bullying is a persistent problem, with up to 42% of academics reporting some form of workplace bullying. In adult life, bullies rarely steal our lunch money or gum our hair. But they do steal our self-confidence, make us feel inadequate and question our work.  My own experience with bullying has taught me how to recognise it, and what to do to overcome it in the workplace.

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Why scientists should communicate science – getting to the heart of the matter

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Communicating science effectively needs more than facts, says Eileen Parkes.

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The Naturejobs Career Expo – some secrets to scientific success

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Naturejobs journalism competition winner Eileen Parkes

Over one thousand scientists attended the Naturejobs Career Expo last week in London. With professional CV checking, exhibitors from academic institutions and companies from around the world, and career-focused talks from Nobel Prize winner Professor Venki Ramakrishnan, science communication expert David Urry, popular blogger and senior lecturer Dr John Tregoning and many more, this was a resource-packed event for researchers.

Spending the day absorbing so much great careers advice left me feeling punch-drunk by the end.  Some themes cropped up repeatedly — distilled wisdom on scientific success.

Some of the submissions to the Naturejobs Career Expo photoboth

Some of the submissions to the Naturejobs Career Expo photoboth

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Finding mentorship

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A quest for the perfect mentor might be doomed from the start – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try

Naturejobs journalism competition winner Eileen Parkes

Having spent years trying to find the perfect mentor, I’ve learned there is more to mentorship than first appears.

Mentorship is given when someone with expertise and experience takes an aspiring scientist under their wing, to share their knowledge and advice, and to provide support and guidance in career development. It is distinct from coaching, or sponsorship, where the coach can give critical feedback or a sponsor may intervene directly in a protégé’s career. Importantly, mentorship is driven by the mentee, who should define their own needs for mentorship and career development.

blackbord design, with blue Light Bulb Continue reading →