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As scientists, our work is often driven by data collection and results. But a key step in the scientific process, and one that increases the value of our findings, is the effective communication of our investigative processes and results. Science communication is not only important within our fields for the advancement of our disciplines – communication to other audiences also influences the public perception and credibility of scientists and the work we do.
A light grey room is filled with 23 grey desks, scattered in pens and books. In one corner sits a refrigerator packed with snacks. Next to it is a rice cooker. The walls are covered in pictures of fun lab memories. Amidst the clutter, some students joke and laugh; chat with a professor about their experimental procedures; analyze data on their laptops and unconsciously wrinkle their brows.
The Ushiba lab
It is a usual morning at the Ushiba lab where I’m doing an internship this summer. I am a rising junior at Macalester College in Minnesota, USA. Before spending two years in a U.S college, I spent all my life in Japan, and expected being back in a Japanese lab to feel natural. But my assumption was wrong.
I write this as I wait outside my toddler’s summer preschool. It’s the same routine every day — I drop her, she wails, I leave. Later, the teacher reassures me that she’s completely fine as soon as I’m gone.
This is classic separation anxiety. I am overcome by guilt. Continue reading
By Beth Kenkel
This condensed social media guide for scientists provides key facts about how researchers report using social media and concrete examples of how you can use LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to network, exchange scientific ideas, or advance a career. This is an all ages guide designed for scientists at any career stage.
A recent cancer research symposium displayed a familiar asymmetry. 90% of the attendees were PhD students or postdocs sitting obsequiously in the rear and asking 10% of the questions. 10% of the attendees were front-sitting faculty providing 90% of the inquiries.
A simple case of youthful hesitancy and opaque presentations requiring years of experience to comprehend? But did individual Principal Investigators (PIs) meet with conference planners before advising their students to attend? Did conference planners consider the likely audience and ask speakers to modify their talks? And did faculty members attend the related trainee poster session?
Are junior scientists little more than human pipettes?{credit}Paper Boat Creative/Getty{/credit}
Funding agencies should not penalize poor performers; instead they should reward good mentorship, says Ahmed Alkhateeb
Guest contributor Andy Tay
Previously, I shared my thoughts on the usefulness of an overseas working experience to establish networks with international experts, and to develop cultural awareness — both of critical importance in a researcher’s career. This year, I decided to head to Japan, Tokyo to work on stem cells as a summer intern at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI).
If you’re thinking of an overseas internship, especially in Japan, my hope is that this will be of help to you.
Andy in his new lab
This post was sponsored by the Stowers Institute
Karla Terrazas{credit}Stowers Institute for Medical Research{/credit}
What does a scientist look like?
You don’t look like a scientist.
Have you ever been told this? I get it quite often. Sometimes from children, but also from adults. Occasionally, if I feel like turning that comment into a discussion, I ask:
How so?
They would hesitate, tilt their head, and make a careful comment about my outfit or my hair.
And you are a girl. Continue reading
