Roel Snieder and Ken Larner
Cambridge University Press, 2009
ISBN 9780521743525
"This book is so full of useful, considered and well-balanced advice that, while an interesting and stimulating read for all scientists, the main thought provoked by it is “why wasn’t it around when I was a graduate student?”" (Book review by John Brittan in The Leading Edge)
"Graduate students will find [this book] particularly useful and will likely consult it throughout their academic expericence and beyond; it will be valuable as well to undergraduate students as they consider graduate school ... It should be an excellent guide for graduate school mentors, particularly those who endeavor to offer more comprehensive training to their students." (Book review by Renee Diehl in Physics Today)
This
is
a
hands-on
guide
for
graduate students and young researchers wishing
to perfect the practical skills needed for a successful research
career. By teaching junior scientists to develop effective research
habits, the book helps to make the experience of graduate study a more
efficient and rewarding one. Topics covered include choosing a research
topic, department, and
advisor; making workplans; the ethics of research; using scientific
literature; perfecting oral and written communication; publishing
papers; writing proposals; managing time effectively; and planning a
scientific career and applying for jobs in research and industry. The
wealth of advice is invaluable to students, junior researchers and
mentors in all fields of science, engineering, and the humanities. The
authors have taught a graduate course on the topics covered for many
years, and provide a sample curriculum for instructors in graduate
schools wanting to teach a similar course. The sample curriculum is
available in the book as Appendix B, and as an online resource.Contents
What
is
science?
"Yes, science is based on logic, but it moves forward rather in fits and leaps, making ample use of intuition."
Choices, choices, choices …
"Be informed, and follow what you have a real passion for."
The advisor and thesis committee
"Choose carefully and develop a good working relation."
Questions drive research
"How can you find an answer if you don’t know what the question is?"
"Yes, science is based on logic, but it moves forward rather in fits and leaps, making ample use of intuition."
Choices, choices, choices …
"Be informed, and follow what you have a real passion for."
The advisor and thesis committee
"Choose carefully and develop a good working relation."
Questions drive research
"How can you find an answer if you don’t know what the question is?"
Giving
directions
to
your
work
"Set goals, and develop a strategy, but value the process and meaning of your work."
Turning challenges into opportunities
"Being stuck and confused can be the catalyst of breakthroughs; play can be, as well."
Ethics of research
“No man is an island.” (John Donne)
Using the scientific literature
"Be informed, learn to drink from a fire-hose, and make a database."
Communication
"Put yourself in the shoes of your audience."
Publishing a paper
"Know who you write for, and understand the mechanics of publishing."
Time management
"We set priorities so that circumstances and others don't make the choices for us."
Writing proposals
"Know what reviewers and program managers are looking for."
The scientific career
"Know what to expect and make your own choices."
Applying for a job
"Be informed, and pursue a win-win scenario."
Concluding remarks
"Life is a boomerang; rely on love, enthusiasm, trust, and commitment."
Appendix, a sample curriculum
"Ideas for teachers who want to develop a course for graduate students."
Sasha van Wijk (age 3), daughter of colleague Kasper van Wijk,
engrossed in The Art of Being a Scientist. You can't start young enough!
"Set goals, and develop a strategy, but value the process and meaning of your work."
Turning challenges into opportunities
"Being stuck and confused can be the catalyst of breakthroughs; play can be, as well."
Ethics of research
“No man is an island.” (John Donne)
Using the scientific literature
"Be informed, learn to drink from a fire-hose, and make a database."
Communication
"Put yourself in the shoes of your audience."
Publishing a paper
"Know who you write for, and understand the mechanics of publishing."
Time management
"We set priorities so that circumstances and others don't make the choices for us."
Writing proposals
"Know what reviewers and program managers are looking for."
The scientific career
"Know what to expect and make your own choices."
Applying for a job
"Be informed, and pursue a win-win scenario."
Concluding remarks
"Life is a boomerang; rely on love, enthusiasm, trust, and commitment."
Appendix, a sample curriculum
"Ideas for teachers who want to develop a course for graduate students."
Sasha van Wijk (age 3), daughter of colleague Kasper van Wijk,
engrossed in The Art of Being a Scientist. You can't start young enough!