Honest conversations
The aim of this ‘Honest conversation’ series is for people to write about the ups and downs in their academic journey and create frank conversations around less-discussed topics on the Node, such as unconventional career paths, mental health, and equity, diversity and inclusion in science.
There is no strict format or word limit for these posts, but we particularly encourage posts about:
- Navigating an academic career: were there moments of self-doubt of whether you’re cut out for academia? Do you have an unconventional ‘squiggly’ career path?
- Mental health issues in the scientific community
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in science
- Troubleshooting: you can write about a tricky problem that you or your lab have been trying to troubleshoot for ages. Maybe someone from the other side of the world can help
Do you have an idea for a ‘Honest conversation’ post? Get in touch by emailing us.
Trans Perspectives in Academia
Posted by the Node, on 19 November 2024
Queer people, trans individuals in particular, remain significantly underrepresented in STEM and academia. In this Voices piece, we hear from two PhD students who identify as trans. They discuss their …Moving Forward on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM
Posted by Aflah Hanafiah, on 17 October 2024
As an 8th year graduate student of a diverse background, my experience in academia has consisted of hurdles, setbacks, and emotional and mental rollercoasters. My journey to climb this career …And how would you rate your current pain and fatigue? It’s a Tuesday.
Posted by Sharna Lunn, on 10 May 2024
When I was 25 and having a particularly bad day, crying to my mum about how exhausted and in pain I was during my studies, she recalled a passing comment …Can the post-doc shortage get even worse?
Posted by J Guillermo Sanchez, on 18 March 2024
The road of academia is a pretty established ladder, PhD, then postdoc, then faculty. I am approaching the end of my PhD and the opportunities seemed endless. At least, when …A poetic response to ‘Science is more than the sum of research’
Posted by Kirsty Ferguson, on 10 January 2024
There are traditional measures of success in the research community, but should they be the only ways we define our success? Kirsty Ferguson writes a poetic response to Mayank Chugh’s …Cracking the egg
Posted by Brent Foster, on 29 August 2023
Lessons from developmental biology in how to navigate the scientific career-scape Between the fifth and tenth days the lump of stem cells differentiates into the overall building plan of the …Science is more than the sum of research
Posted by Mayank Chugh, on 10 August 2023
Mayank Chugh asks “What do we value in science? What does success mean in science?” and argues we should normalize doing academic community work alongside research.Coming Out of my Cage and I’ve Been Doing Really, Really Good
Posted by Nick, on 10 August 2023
Perspectives of a Transgender Scientist