{credit}Ratch/Shutterstock{/credit}

Is going to back to China a good idea?

Chinese research institutions are looking to poach their ex-pats back, but are the schemes and lifestyles they offer something that westernised easteners can get used to? Quirin Scheimier has been speaking to some who are taking the leap.

“A year ago, Jun Yao was facing a difficult dilemma. Having completed a PhD and two postdoctoral stints in the United States, the Chinese-born neuroscientist was well placed to pursue an academic career in his adopted country. But recruiters in China had also taken note of his achievements and were offering him substantial incentives to continue his research back home. Should he stay or go?” Read more on the Naturejobs website on China: at a crossroads

{credit}Tongro/Tongro Images/Corbis{/credit}

Are scientists getting stuck into a presentation rut?

Scientific presentations aren’t the most exciting of things. Why is this? Why are researchers using template presentations that don’t always engage the audiences? Don’t you want the audience to be sitting on the edge of their seats, hanging on your every word? Yoshimmi Rii learned this the hard way.

““Why do scientists’ presentations all look the same?” said a teacher to me during the break. “It’s like you guys all get the same template.” Her words struck me like a 10-tonne anvil. She was right. Where was the creativity?” Read more on the Naturejobs website on A powerful narrative

Have you got any comments on these pieces? Or have you had similar (or completely different, for that matter) experiences? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your comments on either piece below.