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 6: Value Collaboration and Communication

While independence is important, science is rarely done in isolation. Research thrives on collaboration, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. Building strong professional relationships and effectively communicating your work will accelerate both your own progress and that of the scientific community.

Here’s how you can maximize collaboration and communication in your Ph.D.:

Build a strong professional network:
o    Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with researchers in your field.
o    Engage in interdisciplinary discussions—sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from unexpected collaborations.
o    Maintain relationships with former colleagues and mentors. A strong network can open doors to job opportunities, funding, and new research directions.
o    Remember the saying: “A network only harms those who don’t have one.” Investing time in networking will pay off throughout your career.
Share your findings:
o    Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences not only advances your field but also establishes your credibility as a researcher.
o    Don’t wait until you have “perfect” results—science is an evolving process, and sharing work-in-progress can lead to valuable feedback and collaborations.
o    Consider alternative ways of disseminating knowledge, such as writing an article on your research for the general public, engaging in public science communication, or contributing to open-access databases.
Be open to feedback:
o Scientific discussions, even when critical, are essential for refining ideas. Instead of viewing criticism as a challenge to your ability, see it as an opportunity to strengthen your research.
o Engage in lab meetings, peer reviews, and informal discussions with an open mind. The best researchers actively seek out different perspectives to improve their work.
Practice clear and effective communication:
o    Whether writing a paper, giving a talk, or discussing your work with non-experts, clarity is key. Avoid jargon when speaking to broader audiences.
o    Develop strong writing skills—concise and well-structured papers are more impactful.
o    If English is not your first language, consider language editing services, online tools, or peer feedback to enhance readability.
Foster a collaborative mindset:
o Science is not a competition—it’s a collective effort. Help colleagues when possible, share resources, and engage in knowledge exchange.
o Be proactive in seeking out collaborations, both within and beyond your institution. Sometimes, a fresh perspective from another discipline can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

By valuing collaboration and communication, you will not only improve your own research but also contribute more effectively to the broader scientific community.

“We may learn a great deal from books, but we learn much more from the contemplation of nature—the reason and occasion for all books.”
―Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Advice for a Young Investigator

A former colleague used to say: “A network only harms those who don’t have one.” – Maybe a very German way of putting it! 😊.
Wait for Tips 8 and 9 for additional thoughts on this. They will be published on April 25 and 29, resectively.
―Vera Koester

➜ Tip 7

➜ Tip 5

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.