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 4: Maintain a Humble and Dispassionate Attitude

Intellectual humility is essential in research. No matter how much expertise you develop, there will always be more to learn. Science thrives on open-mindedness, adaptability, and collaboration. Maintaining a humble and objective approach will not only improve your research but also help you build strong professional relationships.

Here are some practical ways to cultivate humility and objectivity in your Ph.D.:

Acknowledge limitations: Science is an ongoing process, and no research is ever truly complete. Be honest about the limitations of your work—whether it’s gaps in data, uncertainties in interpretation, or the need for further validation. Recognizing what you don’t know is a strength, not a weakness. It also makes your work more credible.
Detach from personal bias: It’s easy to become attached to a hypothesis or a particular result, but true scientific progress comes from following the evidence, even when it contradicts expectations. Remind yourself that your goal is to uncover the truth, not to prove yourself right.
Avoid vanity: Scientific work should be driven by curiosity, discovery, and contribution rather than personal recognition. Fame and accolades may come, but they should never be the primary motivation. Focus on the impact of your research rather than your reputation.
Learn from criticism: Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Whether it comes from advisors, peers, or journal reviewers, approach it with an open mind. Instead of seeing criticism as a personal attack, view it as an opportunity to refine your research. The best scientists are those who can listen, adapt, and improve.
Give credit where it’s due: Science is a collective effort. Acknowledge the contributions of colleagues, collaborators, and past researchers. Citing relevant work and expressing gratitude fosters a positive research environment and strengthens professional networks.
Develop resilience: A Ph.D. is filled with challenges—rejected papers, failed experiments, and critical reviews. Instead of taking setbacks personally, see them as part of the learning process. Each failure is a step toward improvement.
Foster a culture of learning: Surround yourself with people who challenge your ideas and broaden your perspective. Be open to different viewpoints and interdisciplinary approaches. Science moves forward through collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

A Ph.D. is not just about producing research—it’s about developing a mindset that will serve you throughout your career. Learning from mistakes, staying open to feedback, and working well with others will make you a better scientist and a more effective leader in your field.

“Excessive self-esteem and pride deprive us of the supreme pleasure of sculpting our own lives”
―Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Advice for a Young Investigator

That sounds almost superhuman. But a Ph.D. also provides a great opportunity to learn from mistakes, recognize personal limitations, and find ways to overcome them. Many lessons—or missed lessons—in teamwork, social interactions, self-assessment, and handling criticism often prove essential for future success.
―Vera Koester

➜ Tip 5

➜ Tip 3

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.