What is an effective scientist? One who is successful by quantifiable standards, with many publications, citations, and students supervised? Yes, but there is much more. Truly effective scientists need to have influence beyond academia, usefully applying and marketing their research to non-scientists. The Effective Scientist therefore takes an all-encompassing approach to improving the scientist's career. It begins by focusing on writing and publishing – a scientist's most important weapon in the academic arsenal. Part Two covers the numerical and financial aspects of being an effective scientist, and Part Three focuses on running a lab effectively. The Effective Scientist concludes discussing the more entertaining and philosophical aspects of being an effective scientist. Little of this material is taught in university, but developing these skills is vital to maximize the chance of being effective. Written by a scientist for scientists, this practical and entertaining book is a must-read for every early career-scientist, regardless of specialty.
Preface
1. What is an 'Effective' Scientist?
2. Become a Great Writer
3. Me Time
4. Writing a Scientific Paper
5. Sticky Subject of Authorship
6. Where and What to Publish
7. The Publishing Battle
8. Reviewing Scientific Papers
9. Constructive Editing
10. Fear Not the Numbers
11. Keeping Track of your Data
12. Money
13. Running a Lab
14. Making New Scientists
15. Human Diversity
16. Splitting Your Time
17. Work-Life Balance
18. Managing Stress
19. Give Good Talk
20. Getting the Most out of Conferences
21. Science for the Masses
22. Dealing with the Media
23. 'Useful' Science
24. Evidence-Based Advocacy
25. Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs
References
Professor Corey Bradshaw is the Matthew Flinders Fellow in Global Ecology at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia. He has published over 260 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 9 book chapters and 3 books, in addition to his research being regularly featured in Australian and international media. His blog, ConservationBytes.com, has been visited over 1.8 million times.