Get the Most Out of Your Doctorate: Tips for Excelling Without Dying in the Attempt

Inspired by Nobel laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal [1], Javier García Martínez, Professor at the University of Alicante, Spain, and Past-President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), shares tips for young scientists, drawing on insights from both emerging and established chemists.

In this series, Javier García Martínez distills Cajal’s key insights into actionable advice that any young scientist can apply. Drawing on his experience as a Ph.D. advisor, prolific author, and leading researcher in molecular nanotechnology, Javier adds context to Cajal’s timeless lessons. Every Tuesday and Friday, a new entry will be published, featuring practical advice and a quote from D. Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s book on the day’s topic. This series will also include insights from Vera Koester of ChemistryViews to provide additional perspective.

We invite you to read, reflect, and share your own thoughts in the comments as we explore practical strategies for making the most of your Ph.D. journey.

💡Tip 3: Encourage Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Curiosity is at the heart of scientific discovery. A successful researcher is not just someone who follows protocols but one who actively questions existing theories, critically analyzes data, and maintains an open mind. Cultivating curiosity and critical thinking will enhance your ability to innovate and push the boundaries of knowledge.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen these skills:

Challenge assumptions: Approach research with a skeptical mindset, scrutinizing methodologies and considering biases in both your own work and published literature.
Never accept conclusions at face value. Always ask:
o    What evidence supports this claim?
o    Are there alternative explanations for these results?
o    What would disprove this hypothesis?
Seek diverse perspectives: Engaging with researchers from different fields or backgrounds can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking. Attend interdisciplinary seminars, collaborate across fields, or simply discuss your research with someone outside your immediate specialty.
Embrace constructive skepticism: Learn to ask tough questions—not just about others’ work but also about your own. Peer review and scientific debate are essential for refining ideas. Seek feedback and be open to criticism.
Step outside your comfort zone: Read beyond your field. Many breakthroughs arise when researchers apply concepts from one discipline to another. Follow major discoveries in related areas, and explore unfamiliar methodologies that could offer fresh insights.
Take breaks when needed: Creativity and problem-solving often happen when your mind is at rest. Many famous scientific breakthroughs, such as Kekulé’s discovery of benzene’s structure, reportedly came during moments of relaxation. If you’re stuck, step away—go for a walk, take a shower, or engage in a different activity. Solutions often emerge when you least expect them.
Practice thought experiments: Imagine different scenarios for your research outcomes. What if your main hypothesis is wrong? What unexpected factors might be influencing your results? This kind of mental exercise can uncover hidden connections.
Remember persistence fuels insight: If you’re struggling to generate new ideas, refer back to Tip #1—persistence often leads to breakthroughs. Many discoveries happen not through sudden genius but through continuous questioning and iteration.

By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, you will not only make your PhD journey more intellectually fulfilling but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of your field.

“The investigator should display some happy combination of these traits: an artistic temperament that impels him to search for and admire the number, beauty, and harmony of things; and—in the struggle for life that ideas create in our minds—a sound critical judgment that is able to reject the rash impulses of daydreams in favor of those thoughts most faithfully embracing objective reality.”
―Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Advice for a Young Investigator

It is said that Kekulé discovered the structure of the benzene ring in a dream, while others have their best ideas in the shower. Taking a break or doing something different can stimulate creativity.
What can you do when you feel stuck and out of ideas? — Follow Tip 1! 😊
―Vera Koester

➜ Tip 4

➜ Tip 2

References

[1] Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Reglas y Consejos sobre Investigación Cientifica: Los tónicos de la voluntad, Editorial Médica Panamericana, Madrid, Spain, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-8467037753

[2] Javier García-Martínez, How To Make the Most of your PhD?, Bunsen-Magazin 01/2025.