Think a PhD student’s job is just research? Nope! They also need to explain their awesome findings to the world. But how? That’s where PhD supervisors come in – like secret weapons helping students share their research in the best way possible. In this article, iLovePhD explores how supervisors can turn students into research rockstars! It breaks down the key strategies PhD supervisors can use to empower their students to become successful research communicators.
PhD Supervisor’s Role in Doctoral Student Research Dissemination
1. Understanding the Needs of the Student
- Tailored Guidance: Supervisors who understand if a student aspires to academia or a different career path can tailor their advice. For example, a student aiming for a research position might need more emphasis on publishing in top academic journals, while someone targeting a policy role might benefit from learning how to write policy briefs.
- Transferable Skills: Regardless of career path, strong research, writing, and communication skills are valuable assets. Supervisors can highlight how these skills can be applied in various fields.
2. Demystifying Academic Publishing (For the Academically Inclined)
- Journal Selection: Help students choose journals relevant to their research topic and target audience. Imagine journals as specialized magazines for different research areas.
- Peer-Review Process: Explain how other experts anonymously review a student’s work and provide feedback. Workshops and online resources can equip students with knowledge to navigate this system.
3. Collaboration: A Launchpad for Success with PhD Supervisors and Scholars
- Co-Authorship: Encourage co-authoring research papers with PhD supervisors or established researchers. This allows students to learn the ropes of academic writing and publishing while building their reputation.
4. Sharpening the Writing Sword:
- Early & Frequent Writing: Encourage students to start writing early and practice explaining their research clearly and concisely. The more they practice, the better equipped they’ll be to write publishable articles.
Effective communication is key to successful research dissemination. Supervisors can encourage students to start writing early and often. The more they practice explaining their research clearly and concisely, the better equipped they’ll be to write publishable articles.
5. Expanding the Dissemination Toolbox (Beyond Journals)
Research findings shouldn’t be confined to dusty academic journals! Supervisors can encourage students to explore alternative ways to share their knowledge. This could involve creating infographics, podcasts, policy briefs, or even writing op-ed pieces for the general public.
- Alternative Formats: Explore different ways to share research findings:
- Infographics: Visually represent complex data.
- Podcasts: Discuss research in a conversational format.
- Policy Briefs: Translate research into policy recommendations.
- Op-Eds: Share research insights with a broader audience in newspapers or online platforms.
Also Read: 7 Tips to Increase Your Citation Score
6. Building Resilience Through Feedback
- Handling Criticism: Help students view feedback from reviewers as a chance to improve, not a personal attack. Developing a “thick skin” is crucial for navigating the research world.
Publishing often involves receiving feedback from reviewers. Supervisors can help students develop a “thick skin” and view this feedback as a valuable opportunity to improve their work, not a personal attack. Learning to handle criticism constructively is an essential skill for any researcher.
7. The Feedback Loop: Continuous Improvement:
- Learning from Feedback: Encourage students to use feedback to strengthen their published work and future research communication efforts, both within academia and beyond.
Engaging with feedback not only strengthens a student’s published work but also benefits their future endeavors. By learning from reviewers’ comments, students can consistently improve the quality of their research communication, both within and outside academia.
Supervisors play a vital role in shaping doctoral students into successful research communicators. By understanding their students’ goals, providing tailored guidance, and fostering essential skills, supervisors can empower them to confidently share their research and make a significant impact on their chosen fields.
