It is the age-old question for an early-career scientist: should I pursue a path in academia or industry? Following years of study through graduate school, new scientists may feel the pull to embrace research freedom and flexibility traditionally offered by an academic track, alongside the opportunity…

This community blog harbors personal viewpoints on how to navigate parenthood and academia from two perspectives, one a current academic parent and another future academic parent. As a female academic parent, Dr. Indrani Kakati’s tryst with parenting has been full of roller-coaster experiences.…

The advancement of scientific knowledge often relies on long-term research efforts, which enable researchers to study multiple factors and thoroughly test their hypothesis. In plant biology, long research projects serve as a cornerstone, providing crucial insights into complex processes and environmental…

Start early and stay prepared Creating a strong curriculum vitae (CV) starts well before you sit down to write it. Your CV should reflect your academic journey: it showcases your accomplishments, current work, and future ambitions. Preparing early gives you a chance to identify any gaps—such as…

How much influence does your alma mater have on your career success? Does attending a prestigious school guarantee a successful career, or is it less relevant in a world prioritizing skills and experience? In this article, I will explore these questions to clarify the age-old debate: does where you graduate…

Embarking on a career in plant science is both exciting and challenging. As the world grapples with pressing issues like climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture, plant scientists play a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions. However, to make a meaningful impact and achieve…

The transition from academia to the private sector in plant sciences presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. While academic research provides a solid foundation in scientific principles and methodologies, the private sector demands a different skill set focused on practical applications,…

Plant science is an exciting field where many students opt for a PhD. While working in academic positions can be fulfilling, there are also many other career paths to explore. Statistics show that only about 15% of postdoctoral scientists land a tenure-track position (McConnell et al., 2018), leaving…