How to be a Better Scientist

Andrew C. Johnson is a Principal Scientific Officer at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK, and a Visiting Professor at Brunel University London, UK.John P. Sumpter OBE, is a Professor of Ecotoxicology at Brunel University London, UK.

Chock-full of helpful advice and written by two highly experienced scientists in an engaging and amusing style, this book will be a boon to all early career researchers, whether just starting a PhD or building a first research group.Essential advice and good sense for early career and indeed late career scientists.Sir Charles Godfray FRS, Director, Oxford Martin School, Oxford UniversityI found the advice in ‘How to be a Better Scientist’ very insightful and honest. I wish this book had existed (and that I had read it) long before now! It really will be so helpful, comforting and enlightening for early career scientists like me.Steph Chaousis, Final year Ph.D. student, Griffith University, AustraliaScience has never been more important to society than it is at present and I am confident it will be even more important in future. It is essential that scientists are trusted and that their work has integrity. There are many ways scientists can become good at their art but this is largely defined by the personalised journey travelled by each through their career. For many of us it is a wonderful learning experience but we all need guidance about how to navigate its methodological, social and cultural intricacies. Leaving this to instinct, or the hard lessons learned from trial and error, is wasteful. In the past, the guidance of strong mentors and role models was what we sought but more is needed. This timely and welcome book, written by hardened and successful professionals in the art, will help the budding generation of scientists to be better than the last.Ian Boyd, Chief Scientist of Defra

• 1. What do we mean by science and 'being a better scientist'?; 2. What characteristics should I have as a scientist and am I that person?; 3. Understanding the hypothesis; 4. How do I find my way?; 5. Integrity in science; 6. Lack of confidence and the embarrassment factor; 7. The basics of doing an experiment; 8. Time management; 9. Giving a presentation or a poster; 10. Writing a (good) scientific paper; 11. Writing grant proposals; 12. How to cope with rejection; 13. Interacting with the science community through social media; 14. When things aren’t going well; 15. How to be a better supervisor; 16. Wider aspects of science management; 17. Final thoughts