This document contains summaries of several passages on various topics related to science and careers. The first passage discusses how science is a way of thinking rather than just knowledge. The second passage uses a Chinese folk tale as an analogy for the difficulty of achieving success in research. The third passage argues that graduate students are motivated by gaining and applying knowledge rather than intrinsic interests. It then provides advice on skills gained from a PhD that are valuable for non-academic careers.

2. Sprechen sie Science?
“Science is a way of thinking, more than it
is a body of knowledge”
Carl Sagan

3. The ‘Dragon Gate’ of Research
“A waterfall called the Dragon Gate exists in
China.
Its waters plunge a hundred feet, swifter than an
arrow shot by a strong warrior. It is said that a
great many carp gather in the basin below,
hoping to climb the falls, and that any that
succeeds will turn into a dragon.
Some are swept away by the strong currents,
some fall prey to eagles, hawks, kites and owls,
and others are netted, scooped up, or even shot
with arrows by fishermen who line either bank of
the wide falls. Such is the difficulty of a carp
becoming a dragon.”
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, p.249

4. This is your brain on drugs thesis
“Grad Students appear to be motivated by
knowing rather than by being.
Their mission is to obtain, retain, and utilize
knowledge. The test of success in grad school is the
ability to manipulate information as required by the
academic process. The heart of the individual tends
to be less important than the brain.
The students are what they know.”
Understanding Graduate Students: Their Values, Beliefs, and
Motivations , Barna et al. , www. graduateresources.com

5. Educating Rita
Chemistry degree: University of Evora
Instituto Superior Tecnico (Lisboa) : “Organometallic
photochromic ligands with potential applications in Non-
Linear Optics”
ITQB/IBET (Oeiras): “ Synthesis of fluorophores for an in-vivo
Oxygen sensor”
PhD in Organic Chemistry: QMUL
Marie Curie Research Training Network, “Molecularly
Imprinted nanogels as catalysts for phosphate hydrolysis: An
approach based on cobalt-cyclen monomers”

6. Choices
www.branchingpoints.com
1st year:
3rd year:
reality:

7. Skills
Am I smart enough?
Have I published enough?
Salary?
…but all I know is [insert thesis topic]!
…but once you leave academia you can never
come back!
Salary?
• GRIT
• Self control
• Curious and questioning mind
• VERY used to be under scrutiny
• Self starter, self sufficient
• Getting trough stuff
• Ability to handle huge chunks of information
 Uncover it
 Analyse it
 Synthesise it
 Find holes in it
 Speak and write about it
• Ability to assemble arguments in a structured manner

8. Flow
the state of “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego
falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably
from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and
you're using your skills to the utmost." M. Csikszentmihalvi

9. Inspiration/Aspirations
Dame Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell
“No Nobel Burnell”
Dame Julia Higgins
Imperial College, Royal Society, Athena Project

10. http://www.bis.gov.uk/go-science
Dr. Intern
- the home of science and engineering across government
- to support the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington.
- to ensure that all levels of government, including the PM and Cabinet, receive
the best scientific advice possible, and to enable the many science-using
departments across government to create policies that are supported by
strong evidence and robust arguments.
One “Degree of separation” to the PM !

11. Science Policy

12. Informs decisions
In moments of crisis...
When citizens need to be protected...

13. Future gazing

14. My day job
-Translating science into policy
- Responding to Government consultations
- Monitoring research developments
- Writing policy briefings on anything of relevance
for the work of the College
- Helping the College decide what is relevant
- Defining strategy for the Grants program
- Managing the grants program (selection, etc.)
- Launching the Evidence-based Veterinary
Medicine project
Stem Cell Treatments
for canine Ostheoarthritis Commercial foods for
companion animals
Antimicrobial Resistance

15. Great bits/Not so great bits
You actually DO research
Possibility to influence others
 Possibility to work on the BIG picture
 “Get things done” mentality
 Positive, constructive criticism
 VERY collaborative mentality
 Boundaries
 Job security (not always)
 “Publish or perish” is meaningless outside academia
 Shorter deadlines
 Stricter schedules, dress codes,
 Working on the “possible” answer rather than the “best” answer
 Shiny project syndrome
 GOBSATT (Good Old Boys Sat Around the Table Talking)
Less freedom to
pursue an academic
topic until the very
end

16. Now what?
“Scientists should be on tap, but not on top” W. Churchill
- Get involved: twitter, blogs,
go to conferences, sign up to
mailing lists.
- Volunteer: Voice of Young
Science (Sense about Science),
w4mp, civil service (graduate
talent pool)
- Monitor the policy job market
- RESOURCES ON THE PAMPHLET

17. Take home message
3 things to find your job fit (outside academia):
1) Think BIG: Realise the amazing skills you have already
gained (without even noticing);
2) Self- reflect: Find out what day to day activities give
you a sense of flow
3) Self-motivated networking: do something that you
love outside the lab, explore your creativity
3 things for Science Policy:
1) Have an opinion about the science topics in the news.
2) Debate, discuss, read;
3) Take responsibility. Approach people. Explore scholarships,
interships, opportunities. DO NOT BE FLAKY

18. Thank you!
rita@rcvsknowledge.org
@ritofle