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The Black Hole

BY DAVID KENT | MAY 25 2020

The scientific community often relies on impromptu interactions to spur where the next set of experiments might go.

BY JONATHAN THON | MAY 07 2020

We must identify and resolve the gaps in our current scientific training, and revisit and refine the incentive structures we’ve created around our scientists.

BY DAVID KENT | APR 23 2020

A potentially interesting approach would be to consider substantially less standardization in the metrics that assess academic institutions.

BY DAVID KENT | APR 08 2020

Use this time to think about your career trajectory and what aspects of your work are important to you.

BY JONATHAN THON | MAR 27 2020

In light of the current pandemic, it’s worthwhile to consider the importance of both public and private investment in basic research programs and the growing role of science in our society.

BY DAVID KENT | MAR 13 2020

We have an incredible opportunity to explore some new virtual conferencing solutions, and have team leaders be more present in their labs than usual.

BY JONATHAN THON | FEB 24 2020

Academic mentorship is a very important part of the education and training of scientists, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges.

BY JONATHAN THON | FEB 06 2020

Many revolutionary advances in science can trace their origins to chance encounters between scientists from different areas of study that spark new ideas and thinking.

BY JONATHAN THON | JAN 21 2020

It is very hard to practice science well, which is why it is so important to use the scientific method.

BY DAVID KENT | JAN 10 2020

Career planning and mental health in academe were some of the most-read topics addressed on the Black Hole in the past year.

BY DAVID KENT | DEC 12 2019

Many scientists are leaving academe, but why they leave and who remains will have substantial implications for how we train future scientists.

BY JONATHAN THON | NOV 20 2019

Any decision to do something new is based on our confidence in ourselves to succeed at it.

BY DAVID KENT | NOV 13 2019

A recent academic article breaks down the hiring practices of different types of academic institutions, dispensing valuable career advice to those looking to get hired.

BY JONATHAN THON | OCT 28 2019

This new series will discuss/debate leading life science topics with featured guests.

BY DAVID KENT | OCT 10 2019

A new Wellcome Trust sponsored survey will hopefully bring about some positive change in the field.

BY JONATHAN THON | SEP 27 2019

These meetings are an opportunity to connect with each other and humanize our professional interactions.

BY DAVID KENT | SEP 06 2019

We need to encourage the writing of more specific protocols and lobby researchers to publish them on open websites.

BY JONATHAN THON | AUG 16 2019

Universities employ a very small fraction of all career scientists and serve mainly as a stepping stone to the next career phase rather than a final destination.

BY DAVID KENT | JUL 25 2019

Starting early and being ruthless about time management are just a few pieces of advice I wish I had been given at the start of this process.

BY JONATHAN THON | JUL 12 2019

The challenge is knowing when to step in and when to let go.

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