How Science Leaders Can Create a Supportive Culture Around Work-Life Balance
The lab lights are still on at 9 p.m. again. Someone’s running an overnight experiment, another is writing up results before a grant deadline, and someone else is fielding emails from three time zones away. So how can science leaders create a healthier work-life balance? If you work in marine science or any other research […]
How Science Leaders Can Build a Culture That Inspires Loyalty and Talent Retention
Talent retention is becoming just as critical as scientific output. In science, success is often measured by what we produce: data, publications, and discoveries. But for many scientists who step into leadership roles, whether running a lab, managing a research team, or leading in industry, the work suddenly shifts. It’s no longer just about solving […]
Work-Life Balance in Science Leadership: Holding Steady When the Ground Shifts
There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that comes not from the work itself, but from the uncertainty that surrounds it. If you’re a senior or mid-career scientist today, especially in academia or government-funded research, you’re likely feeling it. Funding cuts. Recruitment freezes. Restructures. Redundancies. The news rolls in like waves, and you keep paddling because […]
Why Great Scientific Leaders Think Differently, and Why That’s a Strength in Science Leadership
You don’t spend years modelling ocean currents, analysing data from remote sensors, or diving beneath the surface to collect samples in silence, only to find yourself, one day, thrown into the unpredictable world of science leadership. And yet, for many marine scientists and STEM professionals who’ve moved into leadership, that’s exactly what happens. Somewhere along […]
The Challenges of Remote Work for Science Leaders
With the advancement of technology and the global pandemic accelerating the adoption of remote work, science leaders find themselves facing new challenges and opportunities. It’s essential to understand the unique dynamics that remote work introduces and how science leaders can adapt effectively. In this blog, we discuss the challenges presented, the opportunities that will arise […]
Effective Communication Strategies for Scientists in Leadership Positions
Effective communication is not only about sharing research findings; it is also crucial for scientists in leadership positions. Whether you are leading a research team, managing a laboratory, or directing a scientific institution, your ability to communicate effectively can significantly impact your success as a leader. Here are some effective communication strategies for scientists in […]
6 Lessons in Leadership
Leadership within the scientific community is a unique blend of intellectual accuracy, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit. As science continues to push the boundaries of what we know and how we apply our knowledge, effective leadership becomes paramount. This blog explores six essential lessons in leadership tailored for scientists, aiming to inspire and guide those […]
Reflections on Conference – What was good, what was missing?
Two weeks ago, we attended the excellent Coastal Futures 2024 Conference in London as a sponsor of the event. In this article, I’m reflecting on our attendance at this conference and my previous blog article on The Power of Networking. So, what did we get out of sponsoring and attending the conference? 1. The feeling […]
What do you need to do to be an effective science leader?
One thing that’s clear is that few scientists get into science to become a leader. In conversations with many science professionals over the last 14 years, we’ve learnt that most scientists get into science because they have a passion or an aptitude for it. Many of the scientists we work have trained for years. Those […]