Your Questions, our Answers

Many influences, codes, and customs shape science as a profession. These are often implicit, seldom visible to the beginner, although, in science, careers are forged at an early stage, especially in highly competitive environments. For this reason, twenty-five female full professor-researchers around the world offered advice and answers to doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and assistant professors on topics central to academic continuity and success. Click on any of the following five questions for the pertinent answers.

Q1: In your experience, is it most effective for a new professor to address incremental questions on one topic within her comfort zone; undertake a more challenging, possibly more impactful big-picture project; or some combination of both?
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Q2: First projects are often related to post-doctoral research. How soon must I try to differentiate independent projects from previous work?
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Q3: I consider collaboration a source of inspiration and collegiality as well as functionally important. At the beginning of my career, am I better off seeking collaborations, avoiding them in the name of independence, or placing myself somewhere on a continuum between the two?
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Q4: Do you agree that interdisciplinarity is the way of the future? Approximately what percentage of time did you invest in cross-disciplinary work as an assistant professor, versus today?
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Q5: How did you build a network of male or female colleagues and mentors who helped and advised you onto the path you took? How and where do you interact with these friends today?
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