Early career research

By Anonymous (not verified), 6 October, 2021

Professional advice for early career researchers (ECRs) - from PhD students to postdocs and those vying for early faculty roles – alongside tips for those who manage ECRs. Find insight to support academic career development and protect well-being from higher education peers around the world. Our contributors provide guides on writing, presenting, getting published, time management, mental health, networking and much more.

By kiera.obrien, 25 March, 2025

How to communicate your research to anyone

View
A lectern with two microphones in front of a crowded audience
Presenting research to a non-academic audience requires a different set of skills compared with speaking to your peers. Follow these techniques to get your point across to the layman
Reading time
5minutes
By kiera.obrien, 21 March, 2025

Seven steps to dual publication

View
A close up of a hand working on a document
The dual publication model for research involves creating two versions of a research paper: one for fellow academics, and one for practitioners. Juggle the two with these seven steps
Reading time
3minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 17 March, 2025

How to make extra money in academia

View
A jar with coins spilling uot of it
How to find and make the most of dissertation supervision, extra marking and public speaking opportunities to supplement your income
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 19 February, 2025

Beyond the classroom: from PhD preparation to leadership

View
Pathway from PhD to healthcare leadership
A foundational pathway that nurtures future leaders in healthcare and scientific innovation produces students who are not only ready for their PhD journey but emerge as skilled professionals and researchers, write Zoltán Benyó and Attila Szijártó
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 31 January, 2025

‘Academic writing equals chaos’

View
Man sitting among piles of papers
If you are stalled in your latest writing project, Glenn Fosbraey shares three tips for breaking through blocks, getting organised and finishing the final draft
Reading time
3minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 23 January, 2025

An academic’s guide to Bluesky

View
A woman on her phone posting to social media
With many HE professionals making the switch to Bluesky, here are the steps you need to take to get started
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 23 January, 2025

The pros and cons of peer reviewing

View
An academic edits a research paper with a red pen
Weighing up whether to take on the role of peer reviewer? Arina Ziganshina draws on her own experience to outline the upsides and downsides
Reading time
3minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 14 January, 2025

‘Researchers have a responsibility to publish’

View
Pile of journals
Without publication, advancements in knowledge will be stifled or even halted altogether, writes Walid Saad. Here he explains the many benefits to publishing for established scholars and students alike
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 9 January, 2025

Trying to decide what, where and when to publish research?

View
Traffic light sequence from green to red
It’s a strategic balancing act, writes Walid Saad. While academic researchers often know why it’s important to publish their work, the timing, location and medium can be less evident. These tips are geared to sharing research for maximum effectiveness
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 8 January, 2025

A practical guide to writing a literature review

View
Middle Eastern male millennial researcher
From organising key search terms to checking citations, this video offers simple, practical tips to crafting a literature review that will lay a sound foundation for your academic paper
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 5 December, 2024

Time to write is a necessity, not a nice-to-have

View
Hands of black woman typing on laptop
How a project for academics to carve out writing time has grown from ‘power hours’ to writing retreats, community, increased well-being and higher-quality papers
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 3 December, 2024

Here’s how we can support long-term research staff

View
A researcher in a lab looking at her computer
Language use and reskilling are just two of the considerations for higher education institutions when it comes to supporting staff who don’t fit into the early career researcher category
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 28 November, 2024

Implementing a ‘research buddy’ scheme

View
Sports science students
A novel volunteer programme has been giving students hands-on sports research experience and maintaining high standards of health safety. Here’s how it works
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 15 October, 2024

How to preserve academic credibility when engaging with social media

View
woman typing on laptop, social media
As political expression on social media can harm public perception of scientists, strategies such as sharing research, separating personal and professional identities, and engaging objectively are ways that academics can use it effectively while preserving credibility
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 18 September, 2024

Academics can (and should) be idiots

View
Microphone on stage in club
The comedy stage can be a place for academics to be silly and let it all hang out. Chris Pahlow explores why humour is effective for scholars and the people they’re trying to communicate with about their research
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 2 September, 2024

Why is no one listening?

View
One red megaphone in line of blue, clear communication concept
Academic ways of communicating are often the exact opposite of what you need to draw widespread attention to your research, writes Simon Hall. Here are simple ways to help your message reach its audience
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 29 August, 2024

How to be visible as an academic

View
Lecturer giving a talk
Working hard and taking on extra responsibilities isn't enough to guarantee career development these days. You also have to build your profile
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 9 August, 2024

Teaching public policy research skills to tomorrow’s leaders

View
Various sqiggly arrows straightening into the same direction, blended learning concept
When students learn the fundamentals of public policy research, they also acquire tools to evaluate how institutions operate and how those same tools can be used to solve problems in their communities. This blended learning approach can level up these skills
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 31 July, 2024

How to make enterprise activities enjoyable and impactful

View
Networking event
Incorporating knowledge exchange and enterprise activities into demanding academic schedules can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are ways to make it enjoyable, rewarding and impactful
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 29 July, 2024

How a strong network can enhance the PhD journey

View
Blocks joined with string networking concept
Connections and collaborations can help PhD students (and their supervisors) cut through the isolation of research. Here’s how to leverage those links into employability
Reading time
4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 23 July, 2024

Five ways to connect PhD students with industry

View
A PhD graduate in cap and gown stands with her back to the camera
Developing industry experience is often the last thing on the minds of the PhD community, but nurturing partnerships between academia and industry can enrich the journey, believes Maria-Christina Vogkli
Reading time
3minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 15 July, 2024

Walking the tightrope towards tenure

View
Asian woman in job interview
Achieving a permanent academic position requires a deft juggle of research, teaching and service. Here, Cheong Fan offers advice on how to keep your balance
By kiera.obrien, 8 July, 2024

An introvert’s guide to networking

View
A shy owl peeks from a hollowed-out tree trunk
For academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out there
Reading time
4minutes
Vertical
Early career research
Sponsored
No
Featured image
Early Career_5.jpg