Resources

Links or citations for resources of interest. Names in parenthesis indicate the NCEAS member who suggested the resource and may be able to loan you a copy. Please suggest new resources and/or categories by adding a comment below.

DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Analytical approach to defining scientific questions

Design of scientifically testable hypotheses

    • On single vs. multiple hypothesis research: Platt JR. (1964) Strong Inference. Science 164 (3642), pp. 347-353.

Broad-based and cross-disciplinary knowledge acquisition

Interpretation and analysis of data, including statistical analysis

Data visualization

Effective search strategies and critical evaluation of the literature

Navigating the peer review process

Creativity and innovative thinking

Resolving tensions between competition and collaboration/cooperation modes of advancing science

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: WRITING

Writing scientific publications

Writing for non-scientists

Writing proposals/applications for government funding

Writing proposals/applications for corporate/business funding

Writing proposals/applications for foundation funding

Writing CV/resume and cover letters

Writing research and teaching statements

Writing letters of recommendation

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: PRESENTING

General public speaking skills and/or storytelling

Presenting research at a poster session

Presenting research at a conference or seminar

Creating quality presentation slides

Preparing for and giving a job talk

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: TEACHING AND OUTREACH

Teaching methods and/or learning styles

Communicating science through traditional news media

Communicating science through online media such as social networks and blogs

Communicating science through face-to-face outreach activities

Evaluating learning and/or communication effectiveness

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: INTERPERSONAL

Professionalism and developing a professional identity; ‘branding’ yourself

Contributing to the advancement of a discipline

Contributing to the advancement of an institution/department

Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues

Negotiation

Performance reviews and feedback

Difficult conversations/conflict resolution

Networking strategies, skills, and tools

Recognizing and dealing with discrimination in a professional setting

Enhancing cross-disciplinary communication

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

General management (e.g., running a meeting, delegating responsibilities)

Mentoring/serving as a role model

Project management (establishing priorities, time management, budgets)

Managing collaborations (within research group and with other groups)

Data and resource management

Research staff management (e.g., writing job descriptions, recruitment and hiring, termination, performance reviews, diversity)

Identifying and clarifying goals

Motivating/inspiring others

Leadership styles

RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Data ownership and sharing

Publication practices and responsible authorship

Research with human subjects

Research with animal subjects

Identifying and mitigating research misconduct

Conflicts of interest (e.g., personal, intellectual, commitment, financial)

Intellectual property rights

Confidentiality and bias in peer review

Conflicts and potential competition between mentor and trainee

CAREER PLANNING AND ADVANCEMENT

Creating and maintaining a professional network

Identifying career options

Preparing application materials

Interviewing

‘Marketing’ your work/ideas

 

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