Words of Wisdom

Aims and Objectives

PhD students and postdoctoral researchers often receive words of wisdom from their supervisors that stay with them for the rest of their lives. Good advice at the right time can make a huge difference to early-career researchers, but not all those who need such advice have access to it. Although there are lots of practical guides on the mechanics of scientific activity—technical writing and project management—there is very little on maintaining morale, overcoming obstacles, and keeping things in perspective. This project has gathered outstanding examples of supervisors’ words of wisdom for publication as a book and online resource that is freely available to Early-Career Researchers worldwide.

Project Leaders

Rob Jenkins

GYA Staff and External Members

Christina Scott, University of York, UK

Active Members

Andrew Haddon Kemp

Michal Biron

Jan-Christoph Heilinger

Sharon Aronson-Lehavi

Anina Rich

Progress

The print book Words of Wisdom has been published by GYA with a launch in May 2016 and is also available on the GYA website. Edited by GYA members Rob Jenkins, Jan-Christoph Heilinger, and Anina Rich, it contains advice of academic mentors to early-careeer scientists.

Outcomes

Words of Wisdom is a free book for early-career researchers by early-career researchers. All contributions have been fully credited, and contributors received a free copy of the finished collection. Words of Wisdom is a not-for-profit project and freely available online.

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