Tag Archives: life choices

Notch 1 in the STIC: The Production of PhDs – What Do We Do With Them?

In this first installment of our summer series on the Science, Technology and Innovation Council’s 2010 State of the Nation report, I’m going to take a look at some of the data on who’s getting an education in science and … Continue reading

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2011 Summer Blog Series: Notches in the STIC

Over the last few weeks, Beth and I have been trying to identify a good topic for a summer series that our readers might enjoy.  Just in time, offering the glue to hold our scattered ideas together, the Science, Technology … Continue reading

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Quarterly Summary: Back on Track

After a harrowing Stanley Cup playoff run that disappointed both of us Canucks fans in its final moments, Beth and I have reclaimed our free hours and will be moving full steam ahead with new content for the Black Hole.  … Continue reading

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The storm is brewing: Postdocs are speaking out…

Lucie Low, newly elected Vice Chair, Finance of CAPS and a current non-Canadian postdoctoral researcher at McGill has just published in Nature a scathing critique of Canada’s system which promised her more than it delivered, and further suggesting that …Canada … Continue reading

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Identifying good scientists and keeping them honest

In a February 2011 interview with Lab Times, Cambridge scientist Peter Lawrence1 reflects on his own career and complains that “the heart of research is sick” as he charts the changes in the way in which science is pursued.  Briefly, … Continue reading

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Quick Hit: New CIHR / Health Canada Science Policy Fellowships

An interesting development for those interested in getting more involved in the science policy world…  CIHR and Health Canada have joined forces to offer fellowships in science policy The Science Policy Fellowships program will allow researchers at the doctoral, post-doctoral, … Continue reading

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Nature Special Articles: The Future of the PhD

Last week, the Easter bunny dropped a sadistically timed present with a Nature special on The Future of the PhD.  Just when hordes of students graduate and many trainees leave to take time off with families for Easter, Nature launches a … Continue reading

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To postdoc or not to postdoc?

Following a very popular article by Sonja B. (To MD or PhD: That is the Question), we were asked if we would be interested in having a similar article from someone choosing whether or not to become a postdoctoral fellow.  … Continue reading

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Academic Couples

I was out for dinner the other day with a friend and colleague of mine who I hadn’t seen in awhile, catching up on the goings in each other’s lives. Two big things had happened in her life recently – … Continue reading

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Quarterly Summary: Expanding our Reach

This quarter, both Beth and Dave have made efforts to bring the Black Hole out of e-space and into the new territory.  Firstly, a panel organised by science blogger Maryse de la Giroday at Frogheart.ca will feature Beth at Northern … Continue reading

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