Discussions with seasoned researchers from the TDR global 2020 Career Impact Contest, where they share different aspects of their career trajectories, including support they received via research, education and mentoring opportunities. They also share some challenges they faced, including accessing funding, lack of skills and approaches they took t…

The 2019 finalists of the TDR Global Mentorship Contest for improving research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries joined us to share their experiences implementing their respective projects. We had: Dr. Ana Maria Aguilar also discussed the pivotal shift in her community-based mentoring project in Bolivia. Her project initially focused o…

The 2019 finalists of the TDR Global Mentorship Contest for improving research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries joined us to share their experiences implementing their respective projects. We had: Dr. Ezra Valido who shared his Getting Research To Work (G.R.O.W) for people project in the Philippines, focused on bringing local-non acad…

If you are looking to start a PhD, you may consider choosing a supervisor based on the type of research that you find most interesting. While this should certainly be a component of your decision, it is also important to look beyond the research. In fact, your supervisor and the culture of their research group will have significantly more impact on…

Publishing is a complex world of skewed macro-level challenges including access to high-impact journals, lack of equity within journal publication processes, and monopolization by reputable journals; as well as micro-level barriers such as navigating manuscript production, language, journal selection, and fees. Two editors-in-chief, Seye and Orli, …

Researchers are moving to other countries for different reasons, such as building a career, lack of funding, lack of mentoring. However, many face a dilemma between returning home, transferring knowledge and skills to local research, or staying. So when is the right time to return home? And when you get home, how do you prepare for the challenges a…

The pressure to win a grant and chasing the next funding source is stressful for all researchers. Besides, finding success in funding often requires sacrificing private time and overcoming the frustrations about being rejected. In this episode, we asked our guests, Dr. Nicki Tiffin and Dr. Jennifer Gardy, what key skills to have and develop to appl…

Our guests talk about the pros and cons of careers in industry and academia, and mention some of the traits that might be beneficial to have to be successful in each environment. Resources Research culture, changing expectations. Darren Logan for the Royal Society: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/research-culture/changing-expectatio…

Sometimes publishing a paper that has the potential to impact might not be enough. You are driven to change: “potential” to “is” (Simon Travers). Scientists and researchers can create living products/businesses that have value and address key needs in the lives of others. We learn from Jenny, Simon, and Douglas about the how of this process. They s…

Researchers and scientists are doing great and impactful work that can change lives. But are people really aware or understand their work? How can we engage with people outside our field and community? In this week's episode we discuss how researchers and scientists can go about creating spaces of engagement, via different avenues including bloggin…

Leadership might be fulfilling, but it is not easy: Our guests Marcia Philbin and Stephen Baker talk about some of the challenges they face as leaders and what skills and factors helped them succeed. Resources Ted talk by Carla Harris - How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work: https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the…

We talked to Dr. Claire Chewapreecha and Dr. Kate Baker on tips on effective communication, presentation skills and how they have both adapted to the new zoom environment. Resources Ted talk by Marcus Alexander Velazquez on effective communication: https://www.ted.com/talks/marcus_alexander_velazquez_the_art_of_effective_communication_jan_2020 Forb…

We interview Prof. Jeffrey McDonnell, author of “Navigating an Academic Career: A Brief Guide for PhD Students, Postdocs and Early Career Faculty” on writing skills. We cover how and when to find the time to write and how this impacts your research career. Resources Jeff’s Book: Navigating an Academic Career: A Brief Guide for PhD Students, Postdoc…

What is covered in this episode ¿Qué es para ti la mentoría ? ¿Cómo la mentoría ha influenciado en tu carrera? ¿Has encontrado, a lo largo de tu carrera, desafíos y/o dificultades en encontrar o mantener una relación de mentoría? ¿Qué estrategias recomiendas para romper con la estructura jerárquica y con las viejas ideas y conceptos que impiden un …

More about the Decoding Life podcast We have assembled interviews from some of the most amazing people around the Wellcome Genome Campus to find out about their paths into science. From PhD students to group leaders, software developers to diversity champions, we get a first-hand account of what it is really like to do some of these jobs and learn …

Takeaways from today's episode: In reverse mentoring, find someone who is different from you, has a different background and has different perspectives. Aim to build a mutual connection as mentor and mentee, firstly creating a sense of psychological safety which enables open and honest dialogue Reverse mentorship approach empowers people with skill…

The ‘Sensational Six’ team: Dr Christine Boinett - Creator and Executive producer Originally from Kenya, is the product manager and head of training for the JUNO and GPS global genome projects at WSI. My expertise is in Bacterial genetics and antimicrobial resistance. In my current role, I develop free online bioinformatic courses for JUNO and GPS …

Takeaways from today's episode: Decolonising global health is an ongoing movement allowing people (and researchers) to provide a local context in the conversations surrounding health. Though many definitions exist, it is based on the undoing of the colonial legacy that surrounds countries in the global south. Local health is global health - a local…

Takeaways from today's episode: Simple science is beautiful, but you must be open and be quick on your, learn on the job and do NOT minimise the advantage of soft skills. There is no curriculum that will teach you all the skills you will need to succeed as an independent researcher but you can seek out good mentorship, engage with the public, pione…

Takeaways from today's episode: “I was not put on earth to follow your wishes”, you have to help yourself and reach out to good people who can mentor you. Don’t compromise on your dreams. Get mentorship from multiple sources. You should not self-censor, this is a result of socialisation. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask for support when you need it…

Takeaways from today's episode: Practice: The more you network, the easier it becomes. Be genuine. If you have a true interest in science, and a true interest in people, it is a very powerful combination that will make interactions easy. Not everyone is comfortable with meeting and greeting. The good thing is that you have at least one interest in …

Resources: Representation in science: https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(20)30740-6.pdf Parachute research:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(18)30239-0/fulltext The culture of research and how it needs to change: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madhukarpai/2019/11/10/global-health-research-needs-more-than-a-makeover…

Resources: Representation in science: https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(20)30740-6.pdf Parachute research:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(18)30239-0/fulltext The culture of research and how it needs to change: https://www.forbes.com/sites/madhukarpai/2019/11/10/global-health-research-needs-more-than-a-makeover…

Takeaways from today's episode: Research culture requires dialling down on perfectionism which would help to relieve the pressure. People respect it when you say NO, so learn to say NO. politely. Institutions should support mental health support to researchers Be sensitive to different cultural views about mental health Intersectionality in mental …

Takeaways from today's episode: Imposter syndrome deals with the struggle of the Internal struggle (often to prove oneself) vs the external environment, including the lack of representation in different fields. In presentations and even in life, remember It’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’. Some ways one can work through the imposter syndrome include: ac…

Takeaways from today's episode: Building capacity and skills is an effective way to address the vulnerability of young people in Africa, it builds their confidence to thrive. Systemic impact is achieved through policy change, advocacy and investing in the lives of young people who can invest back into their communities. Our niche lies in the abilit…

Takeaways from today's episode: A mentor is a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher who is willing to share knowledge and experiences about their life, career and also provides guidance and support. Alternative strategies such as peer, group and virtual mentorship address skills and resource limitations while enabling scalability and access to div…

Takeaways from today's episode: It is okay to be vulnerable and share your struggles. Always set boundaries with each other. Don’t restrict yourself, you can find mentors for different things. Be brave and direct and ask someone to be a mentor, the worst they can say is no. Be sure to pay it forward Resources Mentoring health researchers globally b…

Takeaways from today's episode: Traditional mentoring is often ad-hoc and vague whereas a structured mentoring programme with the right tools, resources and recognition is more effective. Mentees should be responsible for setting up research agenda and lead discussion with mentors and take ownership of careers and research projects A mentor owes ti…

Our twitter header includes the word for mentor in different languages. The podcast team discuss what mentorship means to them.โดย Alice Matimba, Christine Boinett, Isabela Malta, Emmanuela Oppong

Voices (In order of appearance): Christine Boinett, Isabela Malta, Mark Ayabei, Alice Matimba, Tichakunda Matimba, Emmanuela Oppong. Editing: Mariana Vaz, www.marianacpvaz.com/ Music: freesound.org/s/477388/ Podcast team: Christine Boinett (Creator and Executive producer), Alice Matimba (Senior producer), Emmanuela Oppong (Producer and editor), Isa…