Interdisciplinary research has become increasingly important for addressing complex scientific and societal challenges. Problems such as climate change, public health, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development rarely fit neatly into a single academic discipline. Researchers therefore increasingly work across fields, bringing together different methods, perspectives, and areas of expertise. This shift creates exciting opportunities for scientists and early-career researchers. Working across disciplines can lead to new ideas, innovative methods, and discoveries that would be difficult to achieve within a single field.…
Category: Academic Life
The Upright Scientist: Integrity in Peer Review
Scientific integrity extends beyond conducting and publishing research. It also includes how we evaluate the work of others. Peer review is one of the foundations of scientific quality, helping to improve manuscripts, maintain standards, and build trust in published research. Accepting a review invitation is more than a professional obligation—it is an opportunity to contribute to the scientific community. The following principles can help ensure that your reviews are fair, constructive, and ethical. Evaluate the Science, Not the Competition Do…
The Upright Scientist: Integrity in Publishing and Presenting Your Research
Some scientists consistently act in ways that feel unquestionably right. Their integrity is evident in how they conduct research, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the scientific community. These individuals earn trust not only through their expertise but also through their character. Integrity is especially valuable in the competitive world of science and research. It strengthens collaborations, enhances the credibility of scientific work, and contributes to a more rewarding career. The Cambridge Dictionary defines integrity as the quality of being…
5 Surprising Traits of Highly Creative People
Creativity is often misunderstood. Many people imagine creative individuals as spontaneous geniuses who effortlessly produce brilliant ideas. In reality, creativity is far more disciplined, complex, and learnable than most stereotypes suggest. A great read on the topic of reativity is the book Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention. For young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and academics, understanding how creativity actually works can improve problem-solving, innovation, and long-term career growth. Here are five surprising qualities that highly creative people often share.…
Should You Review Scientific Publications After Leaving Academia?
Publishing in peer-reviewed journals is a key milestone in any academic career. If you’ve completed a PhD or worked as a postdoctoral researcher, chances are you’ve already contributed to scientific publications. Once your work is published, you may start receiving invitations to review articles from other researchers in your field. But what if you’ve moved on from academia? Should you still accept these requests? The short answer: yes—there are several good reasons to continue reviewing scientific papers, even after leaving…
4 Smart Questions to Ask Your Thesis Supervisor (That Most Students Miss)
If you’re working on your bachelor’s or master’s thesis, your supervisor can be one of your biggest assets—not just for academic success, but for your future career. Most students ask technical questions about their research. That’s important, but it’s not enough. If you want to stand out, improve your thesis, and prepare for life after graduation, you need to ask smarter questions. Here are four essential questions every student should ask their thesis supervisor—but often doesn’t. 1. What Are the…
Six takeaways from the book „Made to Stick“ for scientists
Every scientist knows the problem: you’re presenting at a conference or giving a research talk to a mildly interested audience, and you’re just one speaker among dozens—maybe hundreds. How do you stand out? How do you make sure people remember your presentation once the slides blur together? This is where the book Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath becomes surprisingly valuable. While it isn’t written specifically for academics, it offers powerful communication principles that are highly relevant for…
Quick formatting hacks for your thesis
If you are in the final stages of writing your thesis right now, the last thing on your mind is the formatting of your thesis. Chances are that you do not have time to fiddle around with your layout for hours. Still, it is important for your thesis to look neat to make a good impression. For this reason, I have compiled for your five Microsoft Word formatting hacks. They will make your thesis look polished and professional instantly: Structure…
Conflicting traits of highly creative people
In his book „Creativity“ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi investigates the psychology of discovery and invention. To do so he studied the lives of highly creative individuals. All these men and women made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields be it in science or in the arts. In one of the chapters, the author describes antithetical characteristics of creative individuals. His descriptions illustrate the contrariness of the characters of creative people. Several opposing traits are often present in successful scientists and artists. These…
Not all Postdocs are created equal
Your are thinking about doing a Postdoc? Great idea! But be aware that not all Postdoc positions are created equal. Thus, not every Postdoc will suit your particular needs or help you achieve your goals. Read this article to learn about the considerable differences between five common types of Postdocs. The academic Postdoc Doing a Postdoc in academia is the obvious choice especially if you want to pursue an academic career. Yet, be aware that not all academic Postdocs are…