Got an analysis or experiment to run? I bet you follow a protocol for that. Protocols represent a key part of processes or step-by-step plans of action. Standard operating procedures, protocols, and other forms of process provide critical infrastructure for research to ensure reproducibility, fidelity, consistency, and efficiency, with respect to experimental or analytic endpoints. These are tangible products of … Read More
Navigating the Administrative Burden of Academia: Tactics for PIs Who Are Drowning in Admin Tasks
One of the surprising realities for PIs is the sheer amount of administrative work involved in the role. Many stay in academia for the potential to pursue their research interests, yet end up finding their days filled with emails, meetings, paperwork, and countless other administrative tasks. One of my clients recently referred to the job as “47 rats in a … Read More
“So What?”: The Simple Question That Instantly Elevates Your Grant Proposals (and More)
Imagine this: You spent months meticulously crafting your grant application. The research problem is well-defined and the methodology is solid. However, when the reviewers sit down to assess your proposal, they find themselves asking, “So what?” Oof. Over my last 15 years consulting on grant applications, I can tell you that “so what?” is the most common comment I leave … Read More
Getting into a Flow for the New Academic Year: Tips and Strategies for Research Faculty
The summer break is a valuable time for research faculty to pursue scholarly interests, collaborate with peers, and engage in professional development. And the contrast with the start of the fall semester can feel like getting pushed straight into the deep end. You may face a pile of administrative tasks, teaching responsibilities, and service commitments. We know some even feel … Read More
Shifting from “Either/Or” to “Both/And” Thinking: A Powerful Approach for Research Career (and Life) Success
Scientific and health research lends itself to viewing the world in either/or perspectives: data either refute or support a particular hypothesis, sometimes based on statistical tests that indicate “different or not different”. However, it can be distressing when data don’t fit into tidy boxes, and might even create uncertainty in how to move forward. Like with research outcomes, many situations … Read More
Setting Boundaries for Effective Rest and Recovery
Ok, we need to talk about rest. In a recent conversation, an amazing, brilliant, hard-working academic researcher lamented to me that their time off over a long holiday weekend didn’t restore them as hoped. As we chatted through why that might be, several things came to light: 1) They still checked email and other notifications over this “time off”—just like … Read More