Four interesting articles crossed my (virtual) desk today. Each dealt with a different aspect of science in particular and/or academia in general, but together they built a sad picture of the current state of academic science. Taken as a whole, the articles point to a coming crisis in science. Although sometimes I think ‘crisis’ may…
Apparently Sunday – not Saturday – is meant to be our day off from the AtoZ Challenge. Well I took my Saturday off. As a classic Type A I have a hard time missing a deadline but – also a Type A trait – I do like to do things my own way. 🙂 It’s…
In the mystery novel ‘Bury Your Dead’, Canadian author Louise Penny follows two Quebecois police officers who were involved in a serious shootout/bombing incident and are now on leave while they recover. Both their peers and the public know about the events and understand that they need time to heal, both physically and mentally –…
3. Publication Record I sometimes feel I’m one of a shrinking group who think that less can be so much more in terms of publications. But more often than not quantity is prized over quality – perhaps because quantity is so much easier to add up. Granting agencies, tenure committees –  even your prospective in-laws…
I’m a big fan of ‘less is more’. In a dish with few ingredients, the main ones really stand out. One picture on a wall has a greater impact than many grouped together. Group conversations take on a pleasant rhythm when everyone contributes a little instead of one person talking a lot. But does this…
Watershed Moments: Thoughts from the Hydrosphere 