Generating knowledge is one of the most exciting aspects of being human. The inventiveness required to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems is perhaps our most distinctive attribute. But right now we have before us some hairy challenges – whether that be figuring our how to save our coral reefs from warmer water, landing […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Research does solve real-world problems: experts must work together to make it happen
Why universities must fight the new wave of authoritarianism
The march in Charlottesville, Va., earlier this summer by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists illuminated the growing danger of authoritarian movements both in the United States and across the globe. It’s signalling a danger that mimics the increasingly forgotten horrors of the 1930s. Neo-Nazis in the United States, and possibly those worldwide, appear […] … learn more→
Poisonous science: the dark side of the lab
My husband was a brilliant scientist who committed suicide a few years ago. While he and I talked, often, about ways to share what happened to him in the high-pressure world of elite academic science, I have chosen not to share his name because I do not have his permission. Nor – much as I […] … learn more→
Do international students in Britain need better English skills?
The start of the academic year is fast approaching, with new students from across the UK looking forward to starting university with a mix of trepidation and excitement. The UK is also a popular place for international students to study, given that it has some of the best universities in the world. This means that […] … learn more→
Avoiding the PSLFiasco: Part One
This fall, for the first time ever, borrowers who have made 120 qualifying payments can avail themselves of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) to eliminate their remaining federal student loan debt. Ahead of its implementation, we’ve drafted some recommendations to ensure smooth sailing and a better, more targeted program. This post, detailing recommendations […] … learn more→
Rape at universities: One program is proven to reduce it
As students return to universities across Canada and the United States this month, the safety of female students is a major concern. Sexual violence occurs on all campuses and can no longer be ignored. It’s now widely recognized that universities and governments need to invest deeply in prevention. The province of Quebec, for example, recently […] … learn more→
How to be an academic?
I have a new book out! If you follow me on any of my social media channels, you probably know this already, but I thought I would tell you again anyway because I’m excited about it The book is called “How to be an Academic” is essentially a compilation of writing I have done over […] … learn more→
Choosing a conference
I’ve recently been asked how new PhDers ought to go about choosing academic conferences. Here goes… Because conferences are discipline specific, you really do need to talk with your supervisor and your peers about which are the best conferences to go to. Cop out? OK. Got me. I’ll try to do better. I actually have […] … learn more→
Universities must act now on sustainability goals
In an unpredictable and insecure global political scene, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intended to tackle pressing global challenges. Agreed on by all participating countries, including Australia, the SDGs set 17 goals and 169 targets to promote economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The goals cover a wide range of complex […] … learn more→
College graduate IQ in freefall
One of the weird things about higher education is how the smart people are fleeing it. Now, that’s at the grad school level, and I noticed it seemed to start just about the time I was done with graduate school: my most talented friends were getting their Ph.D.s, seeing what higher education had to offer, […] … learn more→
