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Academic

What is an inaugural lecture?

An inaugural lecture is a special moment in an academic’s career, usually marking when someone becomes a professor. It’s a chance for them to introduce themselves in a more personal way and share what they’ve been working on over the years. It is both a celebration and a way of…>

Are you using AI to write papers?

Artificial Intelligence writing tools are easily accessible today. Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, the use of AI has created worries for those working in the Higher Education sector. Academics and lecturers have been concerned that such tools would encourage academic dishonesty and plagiarism. In the article below, we…>

Mentoring beyond the PhD

Helping academic skills transfer to non-academic careers Thirty years ago, I started training graduate students. I realise now that I had no idea what I was doing. That’s not a big surprise: like virtually all new professors, I’d been taught how to design an experiment and write a thesis, but…>

The Teaching Tightrope: Presence Versus Pressure

By creating safe, supportive spaces, educators can spark student participation that feels engaging, not overwhelming. Whether online or face-to-face, presence should empower curiosity and trust, not anxiety. In this article, I offer tips and strategies to help you achieve this balance, so students connect, contribute, and develop deeper critical thinking skills.

Writing Abstracts for Conferences

From draft to podium: a guide for researchers at any stage Whether you are just starting in research or are an experienced academic, writing abstracts for conferences is a continuous process of skill development. This is because it requires a unique blend of academic and communication skills that differ from…>

Sustainability in the lab

In another year of record-breaking events caused by climate change, it is imperative to think about sustainability for all aspects of our lives and work. As scientists, there are a number of changes that we can make to make sure we develop more sustainable practices in our lab. In this…>

Sustainable global collaborations

Post-pandemic, global collaborations are more important than ever – but our increasing interconnectedness may be at odds with our sustainability goals. This post looks at how to develop sustainable global collaborations.

Dealing with imposter syndrome in academia

Dealing with imposter syndrome can cause severe self-doubt.  Have you ever felt that you do not deserve your achievements? Do you ever worry about being found out because you are less knowledgeable than others? Many people working in academia strive to know more and to make a positive difference in…>

What is a Principal Investigator?

If you’re an experienced researcher, you might be thinking about taking your career to the next level as a Principal Investigator (PI). The role of the Principal Investigator is crucial to the success of research projects of all sizes and involves significant responsibility. This profile takes a comprehensive look at…>