The effective scientist : a handy guide to a successful academic career / Corey J. A. Bradshaw ; with illustrations by René Campbell

Autor: Bradshaw, Corey J. A.,
ISBN: 9781316779521
NKP-CNB: aba013-001814856
OKCZID: 129452126

Anotace

Scientists fill many roles. On any given day, these can include academic author, peer reviewer, journal editor, grant application writer, student supervisor, human resources manager, lab organizer, undergraduate teacher, social media creator, and policy advisor. Completing tasks associated with these roles is key to being a “successful” scientist. But, how can researchers move beyond this to become an “effective” scientist, that is, one whose research has broad societal impacts? This question and strategies for how to achieve it are explored in The effective scientist: a handy guide to a successful academic career written by Corey Bradshaw, with illustrations by René Campbell. In this book, Bradshaw takes a broad view of what leads to good outcomes for academic science. The easily readable, informal discussion is structured under five themes: (1) writing and publishing, (2) numerical facets, (3) lab management, (4) scientific communication (including networking), and (5) philosophical aspects. Each theme is illustrated with artworks by Campbell, a visual artist and marine science Ph.D. candidate. The images are beautiful, detailed pieces that clearly depict key messages Bradshaw is trying to convey in the text. (You can get a sneak peek of these pieces at Campbell's website, such as “Work-life balance”: https://www.renecampbellart.com/professional/#itemId=5a438a2a08522979a7e387d1.) Although some topics covered under these themes are standard in such advice books, such as writing practices and data management, The effective scientist stands apart by also covering some more overlooked aspects including establishing an efficient lab, undertaking outreach, and interacting with policy makers. Moreover, in addition to general advice, each section typically contains specific tips that can be implemented to have an immediate influence on a scientist's effectiveness. The first and most extensively explored theme in the book is “Writing and Publishing.” This is perhaps unsurprising given Bradshaw's stance that as a scientist “yes, you are mostly a writer.” A lot of ground is covered in this section: from the need to be careful with language (and rules about how to do so), to setting up an effective writing practice (when, how, and where), and a protocol for writing academic manuscripts. I was introduced to this general protocol as a Ph.D. student when it was featured in a post on Bradshaw's blog (https://conservationbytes.com/2012/10/22/how-to-write-a-scientific-paper/) and have been applying the steps to my writing since then; I can recommend it as a way to help all authors agree on the direction of a paper, flesh out a full draft, and refine the work to the point it is ready for submission. Importantly, there is also discussion of issues concerning the system which surrounds publishing an article such as authorship, selecting an appropriate journal, and getting through the peer-review process. This theme section rounds out with a discussion of the role you can take in shaping the work of other scientists—either as a peer-reviewer or editor. Such content will be particularly useful for Early Career Researchers, as so much of the publishing process can be difficult to understand from the outside. Along with writing, the other most important skill Bradshaw proposes an effective scientist must possess is mathematical ability, with this covered in the second theme section “The Numbers.” In addition to a plea for improved mathematical literacy of scientists, this section includes tips on how to achieve better statistical and coding skills and data and code management practices. For example, Bradshaw recommends collaborating with, and spending time learning from, people who have more developed skills than you—be this a senior colleague, Post-Doctoral fellow, or Ph.D. student. If there is no one with the particular skill set you are looking to develop at your institution, Bradshaw proposes alternatives such as engaging with online resources and communities or attending short courses. The section ends with discussion of topics around money including where to seek funding, how to write a grant proposal, and how to keep track of the money you do acquire. Importantly, emerging issues that will be of increasing relevance, such as open access of data and the potential to “crowdfund” research projects, are also discussed. From here, the final three sections zoom out to consider other, more general aspects of being an effective scientist, with the first “Good Lab Practice.” Here, discussion focuses on managing a lab, supervising students and Post-Doctoral fellows, recognizing the potential role of bias in determining lab composition and encouraging diversity, how to best spend your time (although, as is pointed out in the book, the rankings proposed are unlikely to be desirable for everyone), the pursuit of work–life balance, and managing stress. Although many of the tips here cover practices common to established labs, such as regular lab meetings, or reporting schedules between lab members and the principal investigator, they are often overlooked in books such as these. It is therefore useful, particularly for scientists thinking about establishing their own lab, to have them clearly discussed. The book then moves on to “The Fun Stuff,” which is the term Bradshaw uses to encompass activities associated with promoting your work such as giving academic presentations, attending conferences, communicating science with the general public, and working with the media. Although I was initially skeptical, as for many scientists this is not a particularly “fun” part of the job, through Bradshaw's discussion I was able to see how it could be enjoyable. His enthusiasm for communication was clear and, I feel, shaped much of the advice provided. Although Bradshaw emphasizes the benefits that can be achieved by informing the public about research, I would have appreciated exploration of a reciprocal dialogue between scientists and the public. Such two-way communication can make outreach more effective as scientists understand the audience they are trying to reach more fully, and participatory engagement (e.g., citizen science) can convey the message more effectively. Furthermore, scientists can learn from these interactions, with feedback from the pubic allowing development of how research is contextualized. Finally, the section “What It All Means” rounds out the book. Here, we return to the book's underlying premise, which is that an “effective” scientist is one whose work has a broad societal impact. Specifically covered are tips on how to make science useful, undertake evidence-based advocacy, and the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that can be associated with these activities. After first arguing that scientists need to work on topics with applied benefit, Bradshaw then moves on to discuss how scientific messages can be delivered to the people who need it most (considered here to be the generic “policy makers”). Specific tips address topics including how to build relationships with policy makers through strategies such as involving them in the research process. Finally, the discussion covers approaches for advocating a particular stance to a wider audience. In the exploration of all themes, Bradshaw draws on his own career to flesh out key points. By grounding the book in lived experiences, there is a realness here that can be missing from some writing belonging to this genre. It also means that throughout the book, there is recognition of scientists as people; people who can be upset by negative reviews, passionate about science communication, and frustrated by the peer-review system. Such a depiction helps to reinforce the idea that scientists, even the effective ones, are still real people like those reading the book. There are some instances in which drawing from personal experience and writing from a specific perspective influenced the advice given, potentially in a way that reduces its suitability for some readers. Although this was not an issue for the more technical choices, such as the rules about using “that versus which,” it was for others. For example, much of Bradshaw's career has been based in Australia and so many of the specific details are drawn from the system, potentially limiting their use to readers from other regions. Perhaps more importantly, the utility of advice regarding choices associated with a scientist's personal life is debatable. Here, I refer, for example, to the suggestions that it is better to have children later or to limit the number of children you have. Similarly, I was taken aback by the implication that a normal, happy family life is one characterized by a partner and child (or children) and that having these things will inherently increase your effectiveness as a scientist. Pursuing a scientific career can clearly influence the structure of your family and that is worth discussion in the book, but I feel more care could have been taken around this sensitive topic. Finally, the focus on being an “effective” scientist does have some implications for the advice offered. For example, if all the recommendations in the book are followed, you would not necessarily be a “collegial” scientist (e.g., the advice for Early Career Researchers not to do too many peer reviews or for more senior scientists to consider the potential financial or authorship opportunities before agreeing to provide comments on a colleague's draft manuscript or grant proposal). Similarly, you may not be a “well-rested” scientist, a trait which could impact your physical and mental health (e.g., the suggestion that if your office is a difficult place to write during office hours then show up early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends; the casual mention that the author has conservatively worked an average of 80 h a week throughout most of his career). Overall, this is an easy to read book, stuffed full of advice ranging from readily implemented tips to broad-scale strategies. But, as with any “how to” book, the reader does not need to stringently follow every piece of advice given. That is, I would encourage readers to take what works for them to become the kind of scientist they want to be and leave what does not. However, even where you do not follow the advice given, it will be useful to have thought about each of the different aspects of being a scientist explored here, many of which are often overlooked. Having a clearer idea of why you are doing the things you are has the potential to increase your success, and perhaps even effectiveness, as a scientist. Volume28, Issue2 May 2019 Pages 80-81 This article also appears in: Spotlight on Science Communication Related Information Recommended How to Be a Better Scientist Christopher T. Filstrup Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin

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