Lancaster University

- Implementing and driving the institute's research strategy across several research areas. 
- Leading new international strategic partnerships, increasing institute impact and research income.
- Developing new research opportunities and driving growth across the UK and South East Asia.
- Building an academic network,identifying key topics and experts across disciplines and institutions.
- Overseeing the scientific research program, managing a portfolio of projects and budgets.

Director of the Future Cities Research Institute

- Driving development and growth across key national and international partners/clients, increasing, identifying new business opportunities of follow-on and as well as new projects. 
- Developing and leading strategic projects and teams in the health, healthcare and circular economy areas, ensure profitability and high client satisfaction. 
- Engaging in thought leadership (e.g. publications, presentations, press, blogs) and development of intellectual property.

Professor in Global Health Design Innovation

- Setting and leading the direction of the institute on research, innovation and business engagement on sustainable cities, digital cities, resilient cities and liveable cities in the UK and Malaysia.
- Leading new international strategic partnerships, increasing institute impact and income sources.
- Identifying new business opportunities and driving development and growth across key clients


The Future Cities Research Institute (FCRI) is a new joint research institute between Sunway and Lancaster Universities, helping to tackle significant challenges associated with the rapid urbanisation experienced across the global south.

Co-Director of Future Cities Research Institute

- Generating insights and recommendations for global health interventiosna dn products in Africa,  Souteast Asia and Europe
- Leading the development of cross-department international training and stakeholder engagement, generating over 20 new stratregic connections 
- Consultancy to national and international research bodiest and the UK Research Institute on Digital Health innovations
- Engaging in thought leadership (e.g. publications) and development of intellectual property for use on future engagements
- Coaching of staff and external stakeholders on global innovation methods

Director for Health and International Research at ImaginationLancaster

- Developed training programmes on innovation, increasing numbers of clients 
- Developed and managed over 5 externally funded international innovation and research projects, increasing institutional income and outputs
- Trained and mentored small and large groups of adults in design thinking, innovation and
design, user research, achieving high client satisfaction
- Led division marketing leading to increased income from new students

Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Design Interactions at ImaginationLancaster

- Set and led strategic department direction in health innovation and research increasing research income
- Developed international special interest group in Global Health, leading to new strategic
partnerships, increasing organisation impact and influence

Strategic Lead for Health & Wellbeing Research

EPFL

Visiting Researcher/Professor at EPFL+ECAL Lab, EPFL.

• Co-developed new Digital Health Innovation Research Framework
• Delivered presentations and talks on speculative design and design innovation.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to drive cutting-edge research initiatives.

Visiting Researcher/Professor

Sunway University

Visiting Researcher/Professor at Sunway University as part of my role as Director of the Future Cities Research Institute.

• Led CRI Half-Day Ideation Series to brainstorm ideas and facilitate collaboration between SU and LU colleagues.
• Developed strategies for NetZero Cities, Healthy Communities/Healthy Planet, and Urban Poverty initiatives.
• Collaborated with Sunway University colleagues to drive research and innovation in Future Cities.
Conducted capability development workshops:
- Early Career Research Network (ECRN) Seminar – Beyond Journal: Redefining Research Impact
- Post Graduate Academic Career Mentoring and PhD Training

Brunel University

- Developed new and restructured existing training programmes, increasing organisation
income and making savings on resources

Course Director for Multimedia Technology and Design

- Developed and managed innovation project with the NHS, leading to successful completion
- Supervised students placed in the industry making new industrial links and gathering industrial insights for the organisation

Lecturer/Assistant Professor

- Managed complex project of 9 partners from 7 different countries with 25+ staff to successful completion
- Led technical work packages and generated insights from a range of sources leading to innovation development
- Contributed to the research application leading to funding success

Co-Investigator, Project Manager and Engagement Coordinator

• Conducted technical and user research leading to successful completion of project on multi-national EU funded project (IP-Based Networks, Services and TermINals for Converged SysTems -INSTINCT), that led to new insights and additional funding for the organisation.

Research Assistant

I help PhDs, Postdocs & Lecturers secure tenure-track jobs and navigate academia | Insider knowledge tips on how to succeed | Academic Career Mentor | Professor & Research Director

I help struggling PhD students, Postdocs and early career researchers secure academic jobs and transform into successful academics. 

I was a lost PhD student. Confused. Overwhelmed. Ready to quit.

Sitting in my tiny office at 2 AM, drowning in research papers, I made a promise...

"If I somehow make it through this, I'll help others navigate what I'm struggling with."

Today, I'm a Professor at a top UK university. But here's what matters more...

I've kept that promise by helping over 10,000 researchers secure their dream academic positions.

The brutal truth about academic careers:

- 70% of PhDs never get academic jobs
- Universities teach research, not job-hunting strategy
- Hiring committees have secret rules nobody explains
- Brilliant minds give up because they lack guidance

My mentors saved my career. Without their guidance, I would have quit. Now I'm that mentor for you.

My story in numbers:
- From PhD uncertainty to Professor by 40
- £9 million in research funding secured
- 130+ publications across top journals
- Research reached 30+ million people globally
- 200K researchers follow my career guidance daily

But here's my real achievement:
Thousands of researchers now have the academic career roadmap I desperately needed.

What I provide:
✅ The 6P Success System (6-week academic job accelerator)
✅ Insider hiring committee secrets
✅ AI tools and strategies for ethical research productivity
✅ Weekly newsletter with 9K subscribers
✅ 1:1 career coaching for academic positions
✅ Premium coaching for busy professionals doing a PhD


My mission is simple:
Help you turn your PhD struggles into Professor success.

Academic careers don't have to be a mystery. You just need the right guide.

Ready to secure your academic future? Follow me for the insider strategies that actually work.

PhDs, here's how to get published in 8 weeks using systematic reviews instead of waiting years for original research. 

My first 3 research papers got rejected.

Then I discovered systematic reviews.

My next paper was accepted in 8 weeks.

I thought systematic reviews were boring summaries of existing research.

I was wrong.

They're actually the fastest path to publication for early career researchers.

Here's why systematic reviews transformed my career:

Journals love them because they provide clear value to readers.

They take less time than original research studies.

You don't need expensive equipment or large datasets.

Most importantly, they get cited more than regular research papers.

If you've struggled to get published, systematic reviews might be your answer.

Here's my 7-step guide to writing methodology that gets accepted:

Start with a Clear Framework
→ Tell readers you're using PRISMA, Cochrane, or another guideline
→ Shows you're following established rules
→ Gives editors confidence in your approach

Define Your Inclusion Criteria
→ Clearly state which populations, interventions, and outcomes you studied
→ Be specific about study designs you included
→ Editors can quickly see if your scope makes sense

Document Your Search Strategy
→ List all databases you searched
→ Include your exact search terms
→ Make it so clear that others could repeat your process

Explain Your Data Extraction
→ Tell readers who pulled out the information
→ Describe how you handled disagreements
→ Even simple tools like Excel count

Report Quality Assessment
→ Mention which bias assessment tools you used
→ Explain how quality affected your conclusions
→ Shows you're thinking critically about evidence

Describe Your Studies
→ Give context about study sizes and locations
→ Help readers understand the big picture
→ Makes your review more useful

Detail Your Process
→ Explain how you ensured consistency
→ Mention if multiple people were involved
→ Transparency builds trust

The results were incredible:

→ My systematic review got accepted in 8 weeks
→ It became my most cited paper with 89 citations
→ My expertise led to editorial board positions

The difference wasn't my research skills.

The difference was choosing the right type of study.

Most early career researchers chase original research that takes years.

Smart researchers build their reputation with systematic reviews first.

Your methodology section isn't just a requirement.

It's the foundation that determines if your paper gets published.

What's your biggest challenge with systematic review methodology?

#phd #systematicreview #research #academia

Emmanuel Tsekleves

I help lost PhDs & postdocs secure academic jobs and thrive | From PhD confusion to Professor by 40 | Proven roadmap + AI strategies for academic success | 10,000+ researchers guided | Get the insider guide I wish I had

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9 FREE Courses that'll help every PhD & Researcher with their research

I've dedicated years to uncovering resources that genuinely elevate your academic career.

Here are 9 free courses that have proven invaluable for my students and mentees:

1) Understanding Research Methods
- Build a solid foundation for all your research endeavors.

2) Qualitative Research Methods
- Delve into the stories that numbers alone can't tell.

3) Research Design
- Plan your research with clarity and foresight.

4) Writing in the Sciences
- Transform your findings into compelling narratives.

5) Academic English
- Refine your academic writing and communication skills.

6) Introduction to Systematic Review
- Master the art of comprehensive literature reviews.

7) Statistical Inference
- Unlock the true meaning behind your data.

8) Quantitative Methods
- Hone your skills in quantitative analysis.

9) Research for Impact
- Ensure your research leaves a lasting mark.

Why invest time in these courses?

Each one fills a crucial gap, turning good research into groundbreaking work.

Which skill are you eager to enhance this year?

Talks about #phd, #postdoc, #phdcareers, #academicjobs, and #highereducationjobs

I've interviewed hundreds of PhD candidates over 15 years and can tell you: most brilliant applicants fail because... 

...they don't understand what we're REALLY looking for.

The brilliant PhD candidate started crying during her interview.

Perfect 4.0 GPA.

Glowing letters of recommendation.

Published research as an undergraduate.

She bombed her PhD interview in the first 5 minutes.

I've seen this happen dozens of times over 15 years.

Most brilliant applicants fail because they prepare for the wrong things.

They memorize technical details.

They rehearse their CV.

But they completely miss what we're actually looking for.

The biggest mistake I see?

When I ask "Why do you want a PhD?" they give me textbook answers about advancing knowledge.

No passion. 
No genuine reason.
No personal connection. 

They're done before we get to question two.

Here are the 8 questions that decide your PhD fate:

"Why do you want a PhD?"
→ Share your genuine interest in the subject
→ Connect your past research to your future goals
→ Show you understand what academic careers actually involve

"Tell us about your research proposal"
→ Explain your research question simply
→ Show you know what's been studied and what hasn't
→ Explain how you'll actually do the research

"Why our university?"
→ Mention specific professors whose work interests you
→ Show how your interests match the department
→ Know what resources they offer

"What research have you done before?"
→ Focus on relevant projects
→ Explain your role and what you discovered
→ Mention any publications or presentations

"What skills do you bring?"
→ Talk about technical skills and research methods
→ Include soft skills like time management
→ Give specific examples

"How do you handle research problems?"
→ Describe a specific challenge you faced
→ Explain how you solved it
→ Share what you learned

"What are your career plans?"
→ Link the PhD to your realistic career goals
→ Show you understand the academic job market

"Do you have questions for us?"
→ Ask about the research environment
→ Ask about funding and professional development

The difference between acceptance and rejection?

Your answers reveal whether you'll succeed as a researcher.

The problem isn't their qualifications.

It's their preparation.

Most candidates think interviews are about proving they're smart.

Actually, interviews are about proving they're ready.

What's the one PhD interview question that makes you most nervous?

#phd #interviews #academia #research

How to turn 3 published papers into a PhD thesis that actually makes sense.

Most PhD students think thesis by publication means copying and pasting papers.

They slap three papers together and call it done.

But the best thesis by publication tells one unified story.

After helping 20+ students with this format, here's the structure that works:

Chapter 1: Introduction (15-20% of thesis)
→ Background and context
→ Problem statement
→ Research questions and hypotheses
→ Aims and objectives
→ Significance and contribution
→ Overview of publications
→ Thesis outline

Chapter 2: Literature Review (15-20%)
→ Theoretical framework
→ Review of existing research
→ Identification of research gaps
→ Conceptual model
→ Research positioning

Chapter 3: Methodology (10-15%)
→ Research philosophy
→ Overall research design
→ Methods overview
→ Ethical considerations
→ Note: Detailed methods may be in each paper

Chapters 4-6: Publications 1, 2, 3 (12-15% each)
→ Paper Title
→ Status: Published/Submitted/Under Review
→ Journal: [Journal Name]
→ My Contribution: [Percentage and description]

Chapter 7: Synthesis and Discussion (15-20%)
→ Integration of findings across papers
→ Collective contribution to knowledge
→ Theoretical implications
→ Practical implications
→ Overall limitations
→ Future research directions

Chapter 8: Conclusion (5-10%)
→ Summary of key findings
→ Unified contribution statement
→ Implications for field
→ Final reflections

Plus Front Matter with Declaration of Authorship and Statement of Contributions.

Your papers aren't just chapters.

They're evidence of a larger research journey.

The magic happens in showing how they connect.

What's your biggest challenge with thesis by publication structure?

#phd #thesis #research #publications

PhDs - how to get 80% response rates from professors instead of being ignored for months.

My PhD student sent 47 emails to professors.

Only 2 replied.

Raj was brilliant at research but terrible at email outreach.

His messages were long, generic, and boring.

Professors deleted them without reading past the first line.

That's when I taught him my 6-step email system.

His next 10 emails got 8 responses.

Here's what changed everything:

Most PhD students write emails like cover letters.

They're formal, lengthy, and focus on themselves.

But professors get 20+ emails daily from researchers asking for positions.

Your email has 10 seconds to grab their attention.

Here's the system that got Raj multiple postdoc offers:

Start with Your Best Qualification
→ Lead with your most relevant skill that matches their work
→ Example: "I'm a PhD student in cell biology working on the same cancer proteins as your recent Nature paper"
→ Shows immediate relevance

Get to the Point Fast
→ Say what you want in the first sentence
→ Professors skim emails between meetings
→ Be direct: "I'm writing about postdoc positions starting next fall"

Show You Know Their Work
→ Mention a specific recent paper or project
→ Connect it to your research experience
→ Proves you're not mass-emailing

Explain Your Value
→ Don't just ask for a job
→ Tell them exactly how you can help their research
→ What specific skills or knowledge do you bring?

Suggest a Clear Next Step
→ Instead of "I hope to hear from you"
→ Propose specific times: "I'm free for a 15-minute call Tuesday or Thursday afternoon"
→ Makes it easy for them to respond

Make It Scannable
→ Short paragraphs only
→ Bullet points for important information
→ They might read it on their phone

The results for Raj:

→ His response rate jumped from 4% to 80%
→ He got 3 postdoc interviews in two month
→ Two professors offered him positions
→ He chose a lab at a top-ranked university

The difference wasn't his qualifications.

The difference was making his emails impossible to ignore.

Your email is your first impression.

Show them you're organized, clear, and understand their needs.

Most students write emails about what they want.

Smart students write emails about what they can offer.

What's your biggest challenge when reaching out to professors?

#phd #postdoc #academia #careers

PhDs, here's how to get world-class research training from Harvard, MIT, and Google without spending a penny.

PhD, you don't need to spend $3,000 on online courses.

I showed my student these 9 free alternatives from Harvard, MIT, and Google instead.

Meera was struggling with research methods and data analysis.

She enrolled in expensive online programs thinking they'd be better.

After spending months of her stipend, she came to me frustrated.

The courses weren't even designed for researchers.

That's when I shared my list of the best free courses for PhDs.

Here are the 9 courses that transformed her research skills:

Research Methods:

Understanding Research Methods (University of London)
→ Perfect foundation for any research discipline
→ https://lnkd.in/eJKeQxMP

Research Methodologies (Queen Mary University) 
→ Advanced techniques for complex research
→ https://lnkd.in/eJn7hrUQ

Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Johns Hopkins)
→ Essential for literature reviews
→ https://lnkd.in/ew2krCxb

Research Impact:

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Ecole Polytechnique)
→ From first draft to publication
→ https://lnkd.in/e3kPR6WR

Research for Impact (University of Cape Town)
→ Making your research matter
→ https://lnkd.in/e8hb9dgX

Becoming an Entrepreneur (MIT)
→ Commercializing your research
→ https://lnkd.in/e_T3Q3aj

AI and Analytics:

Introduction to Generative AI (Google)
→ Essential for modern researchers
→ https://lnkd.in/ebG7fbjM

Statistics and R (Harvard University)
→ Data analysis fundamentals
→ https://lnkd.in/e-xEsXJP

Data Analytics (Google)
→ Complete analytics certification
→ https://lnkd.in/ezEuGyU5


The best part?

These courses are taught by the same professors who charge thousands for in-person training.

You get world-class education without the debt.

Most PhD students think they need expensive courses for quality training.

Smart students know the best education is often free.

Your research skills are too important to leave to chance.

Which of these courses would help your research most right now?

#phd #research #freecourses #education #skills

How to cut your PhD research time by a third with 35 tools most PhDs don't know about.

Most PhD students use ChatGPT and Google Scholar.

That's like using a bicycle on a highway.

Smart researchers use specialized tools for each task.

Here are the 35 tools that actually matter:

Literature Review and Discovery:
→ Litmaps - Visual citation mapping for literature discovery
→ ResearchRabbit - Interactive literature exploration platform
→ Connected Papers - Visual paper connection and citation explorer
→ Elicit - AI research question answering tool

AI-Powered Writing Assistants:
→ Jenni AI - AI academic writing and research assistant
→ Paperpal - Editing and grammar checker for researchers
→ Yomu AI - AI-powered academic writing enhancement tool
→ Unriddle - AI research and writing assistant

Citation Management:
→ Zotero - Free reference management and organization tool
→ Mendeley - Reference manager with collaboration features
→ Crossref - DOI registration and metadata services
→ PaperPile - Google Docs integrated citation manager

Data Analysis:
→ NVivo - Qualitative data analysis software suite
→ Julius AI - AI data analysis and visualization assistant
→ RedCap - Research data capture and management platform
→ Dedoose - Mixed methods research analysis platform

AI-Powered Search Engines:
→ Consensus - Evidence-based research search engine
→ Semantic Scholar - AI-powered academic paper search engine
→ Sourcely - AI literature discovery and citation tool
→ Scite - Citation context and research impact analysis

Chatting with PDFs:
→ SciSpace Copilot - Chat interface for research papers
→ ChatPDF - Conversational PDF document analysis tool
→ AskYourPDF - Chat with PDF documents using AI
→ OpenRead - AI research paper reader and analyzer

Research Discovery:
→ Undermind - AI-powered deep research discovery engine
→ SciSummary - AI paper summarization and analysis tool
→ Lumina - Research discovery and analysis platform
→ OpenScholar - Open access academic search engine

Additional Tools:
→ Otter.ai - AI meeting transcription and note-taking
→ My RA - AI research analysis assistant
→ Anara - AI research discovery and exploration engine
→ Bohrium - Scientific research and collaboration platform
→ Scinapse - Academic paper search and discovery


The difference isn't working harder.

The difference is working ethically smarter.

Remember to use these responsibly and as your assistance mainitaining your voice.

Which of these tools would save you the most time right now?

#phd #research #academictools #productivity

Litmaps

ResearchRabbit

Elicit

Jenni AI

Paperpal

Yomu AI

Julius AI

Consensus

Sourcely

SciSpace

Undermind

SciSummary

Otter.ai

Anara

Bohrium

PhDs - how to turn your chaotic literature review into your most cited publication.

My supervisor had called my literature review "an incoherent mess."

I had read 100+ papers over 6 months.

I had notes scattered across 15 different documents.

But I couldn't write a single coherent paragraph.

I was drowning in information without any clear direction.

That's when I developed my 7-step system.

Here's how I turned my chaotic reading into my most cited publication:

Step 1: Define Your Research Focus
→ Write one clear research question that guides everything
→ Identify exactly what's missing in current research
→ Know who will read your review and why they should care

Step 2: Search Systematically 
→ Choose the right databases for your topic
→ Create a list of search terms to find all relevant papers
→ Set clear criteria for what to include and exclude
→ Document your process so others can follow it

Step 3: Evaluate What You Find
→ Rate the quality of each study using simple criteria
→ Note the strengths and weaknesses of different methods
→ Look for patterns and gaps across all the papers
→ Focus on the most reliable and relevant findings

Step 4: Connect the Ideas
→ Group related findings together by theme
→ Create a visual map showing how concepts connect
→ See where your research question fits in the bigger picture
→ Plan how you'll build your argument step by step

Step 5: Create Your Framework
→ Link theories with actual evidence from studies
→ Organize your evidence to support clear main points
→ Show exactly where your research will contribute
→ Build a logical flow for your arguments

Step 6: Write and Refine
→ Follow your outline to write the first draft
→ Get feedback from colleagues and supervisors
→ Revise based on their suggestions
→ Polish until every sentence serves your argument

Step 7: Share Your Work
→ Present at conferences to get feedback
→ Submit to journals for publication
→ Connect with other researchers in your area
→ Build on your literature review for future research

The transformation was incredible:

→ My literature review became a standalone publication
→ It got cited 47 times in the first year
→ Two international collaborations started from it
→ It became the foundation for my entire PhD

The difference wasn't reading more papers.

The difference was having a system to organize what I read.

Most PhD students collect information without a plan.

Smart students build knowledge systematically.

Your literature review isn't just background reading.

It's the foundation of your entire research career.

Which step in this process feels most challenging for you right now?

#phd #literaturereview #research #academia

PhDs - Here's how to choose the right literature review type without wasting 9 months.

My mentee spent 9 months on the wrong type of literature review.

Ravi was researching mental health interventions in higher education.

He chose a systematic review because it sounded more impressive.

After a year and a half of grueling work, his supervisor delivered bad news:

"This should have been a scoping review."

Ravi had to start over.

Here's what I taught him about choosing the right review type:

Most PhD students pick systematic reviews because they sound more rigorous.

But they're not always the right choice.

The decision comes down to your research question.

Systematic Review:

Purpose: Answers a very specific research question with definitive conclusions

Example Question: "Does mindfulness meditation reduce anxiety in university students?"

Time Required: 9-18 months

Resources Needed: Usually requires a team of 2-3 researchers

Search Strategy: Very detailed and comprehensive across multiple databases

Best For: When you need definitive evidence and have lots of time and resources

Scoping Review:

Purpose: Maps what research exists on a topic and identifies gaps

Example Question: "What research has been done on mental health interventions in higher education?"

Time Required: 3-6 months

Resources Needed: Can be done by one person with support

Search Strategy: Broader and more flexible approach

Best For: When you're exploring a new area or want to map the research landscape

The key difference?

Systematic reviews prove something specific.

Scoping reviews explore what's out there.

When Ravi switched to a scoping review:

→ He completed it in 4 months instead of 9
→ He identified 6 research gaps for future studies
→ His literature review became the foundation for 3 different papers

The lesson?

Choose your review type based on your question, not what sounds more academic.

If you're exploring a broad topic or looking for gaps, go with scoping.

If you need to prove something specific, choose systematic.

Most supervisors won't tell you this until it's too late.

Which type of literature review matches your current research question?

#phd #literaturereview #research #systematic #scoping

9 Podcasts PhDs, Postdocs and Researchers should follow

Drowning in research? Need help with your career? 

Introducing a lifeline for PhDs, researchers, and academics. 

For PhD Students:

The PhD Life Raft by Emma Brodzinski
→ Your anchor in the tumultuous sea of PhD life
→ Practical strategies for surviving the PhD rollercoaster

PhD Talk by Eva Lantsoght
→ Where the nitty-gritty of PhD life meets real advice
→ Solutions for everyday PhD problems

Better Biologist by Kenan Kraković
→ Perfect for early career scientists
→ Research skills and career development

For Early Career Researchers:

The Struggling Scientists Podcast by Jayron Habibe, PhD and Suzanne Van Wouw
→ Science made fun and relatable
→ Proof you're not alone in your struggles

Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD by David Mendes da Silva, PhD
→ Maps out life beyond graduation
→ Career planning that actually works

Changing Academic Life by Geraldine Fitzpatrick
→ Strategies for navigating academia's challenges
→ Real solutions from someone who's been there

For Academia to Industry Transition:

PostPhDirections by Elena Hoffer
→ Features PhDs who made successful transitions
→ Hiring managers and recruiters share insider tips

PhD Career Stories by Tina Persson - ICF PCC
→ Real stories of success and failure after graduation
→ Innovation and business strategies for PhDs

The PhD Life Coach by Vikki Wright
→ Because perfection is a myth and wellbeing matters
→ Mental health support for academic careers

Don't just survive your academic journey; thrive in it. 

Plug in, press play, and let these podcasts transform your: 
- workout, 
- coffee break, 
- or daily commute
into a powerful source of inspiration and guidance.

Links in the comment below.

Which other podcast would you recommend?

#academia #postdoc #phd #professor #podcast

How to deveĺop a standout PhD research proposal in 7 steps! 

My Masters student submitted her PhD proposal to 12 universities.

All 12 rejected her.

The feedback was crushing: "lacks focus and clarity."

That's when Emma came to me for help.

She said her proposal felt like a textbook, not a vision.

Here's what I taught her to fix:

Most PhD proposals try to cover everything.

That's a mistake.

The best proposals solve one specific problem brilliantly.

After I helped Emma rewrite hers using my 7-step framework, everything changed:

Title - Make your research question crystal clear
Abstract - Lead with your research question, add methodology and any pilot results 
ntroduction - Show why your research matters right now
Literature Review - Find the exact gap you'll fill
Methodology - Map your precise journey to answers
Discussion - Show how you'll change the field
Conclusion - Tie it together with strong references

The result?

Emma's rewritten proposal got accepted at 7 out of 10 universities.

She received 3 full funding offers.

The difference wasn't her research idea.

The difference was clarity.

She stopped trying to impress everyone.

She started solving one problem perfectly.

Your proposal isn't a literature review.

It's a roadmap to discovery.

Make reviewers excited about the journey you're planning.

Show them exactly where you're going and how you'll get there.

Which part of your research proposal feels the most challenging?

#phd #research #proposal #academia

1 in 3 PhDs never finish their thesis? I almost became one of them until I discovered what examiners look for...

While everyone warns about the PhD journey being tough...

...few share the practical blueprint for crafting a thesis that impresses examiners and stands the test of time.

Here's a streamlined guide to ensure your thesis shines:

1️⃣ Understand the Essentials
• Word Count: Typically 60,000-100,000 words—always check your department's guidelines.
• Presentation: Use serif fonts like Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced.
• Organization: Maintain clear chapter divisions with consistent numbering.

2️⃣ Highlight Originality and Contribution
• Clearly define your unique contribution to your field.
• Engage critically with existing literature, don't just summarize.
• Position your research within the broader academic dialogue.

3️⃣ Develop a Cohesive Structure
• Abstract & Acknowledgements: Provide a concise summary and acknowledge support.
• Introduction: Set out your research questions, objectives, and thesis roadmap.
• Literature Review: Critically analyze existing knowledge and identify gaps.
• Methodology: Justify your approach, consider ethics, and acknowledge limitations.
• Findings/Analysis: Present results clearly with supporting evidence.
• Discussion: Interpret findings in relation to existing literature.
• Conclusion: Synthesize your contribution and suggest future research directions.

4️⃣ Prepare for the Viva
• Know your thesis thoroughly; examiners will probe for weaknesses.
• Be ready for challenging questions on methodology and findings.
• Practice articulating your contribution with clarity and confidence.

5️⃣ Avoid Common Pitfalls
• Ensure clarity in your research questions and objectives.
• Connect your literature review directly to your research.
• Align your methodology with your research questions.
• Avoid overstating your claims or contributions.
• Engage critically with your findings.

Which part of your thesis are you finding most challenging right now? 

Let's tackle it together.

graphical user interface, text, application

PhDs and Postdocs Triple Your Research Publications While Working Less with The 3-2-1 Publication Method: 

I once believed that the more hours I worked, the more successful I would be in academia. 

But then, I stumbled upon a method that revolutionized my productivity. 

The 3-2-1 Publication Method. 

This approach isn't just about working harder; it's about working smarter. 

Here's how you can triple your research output while working less: 


3️⃣ The 3 Projects Rule: Active Research Portfolio Management 

→ Maintain only three active projects at a time.

↳ One should be in the data collection/analysis phase, around 70% complete.

↳ Another in the drafting/writing phase, about 40% done.

↳ And the last one in the final editing/submission phase, nearing 90% completion. 

This ensures you're always moving forward on multiple fronts without feeling overwhelmed. 


2️⃣ The 2Hour Technique: Harness Your Cognitive Prime Time 

→ Identify your personal peak cognitive hours.

↳ Block uninterrupted 2hour sessions, three times a week.

↳ Use a specific ritual to quickly enter deep focus. 

Dedicate each session to a single project phase—whether it's data analysis, writing, or editing. 


1️⃣ The 1 Goal Method: OutputBased Planning 

→ For each 2hour session, set one specific, achievable output goal.

↳ Data analysis: Complete statistical analysis of experiment 2 data.

↳ Writing: Draft the methods section (7501000 words).

↳ Editing: Revise the discussion section based on coauthor feedback. 


This method transforms your productivity. 

It aligns time management with your cognitive strengths. 

Which of these steps resonates with you the most? 

hashtag#academia hashtag#acwri hashtag#phd hashtag#postdoc

How to write a book chapter that launches your academic career in 20 steps.

I got an invitation to write my first book chapter as an early career researcher.

I panicked.

I'd never written anything longer than a journal article.

I was terrified of disappointing the editors.

That's when I developed my 20-step system.

Here's why every PhD should write book chapters:

→ Establishes you as an expert in your field
→ Expands your network through editor and contributor connections 
→ Builds your publication record with prestigious academic publishers
→ Develops your ability to write for broader audiences
→ Creates opportunities for future book projects and collaborations

Here's the exact process that got my chapter accepted:

Plan and Research (Steps 1-7):
1. Receive invitation or propose chapter idea to editors
2. Understand the book's theme, audience, and overall message
3. Clarify expectations with editors (word count, deadline, style)
4. Define your chapter's specific focus and contribution
5. Review existing literature relevant to your chapter topic
6. Create a detailed outline with main sections and subsections
7. Share outline with editors and get approval before writing

Write (Steps 8-13):
8. Write a compelling introduction that hooks readers
9. Develop your main arguments with supporting evidence
10. Include relevant examples and case studies to illustrate points
11. Write smooth transitions between sections and ideas
12. Craft a strong conclusion that ties everything together
13. Add proper references and citations throughout

Review and Revise (Steps 14-17):
14. Self-edit for clarity, flow, and argument strength
15. Get feedback from colleagues or mentors
16. Revise content based on feedback received
17. Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting

Prepare Draft and Finalise (Steps 18-20):
18. Format according to publisher guidelines and style
19. Submit final version to editors by deadline
20. Respond to editor feedback and make final revisions

The results for me?

→ My chapter was accepted without major revisions
→ Two editors invited me to contribute to future books
→ I presented my chapter ideas at three international conferences
→ My expertise led to multiple tenure-track job interviews

The best part?

That first chapter opened doors I never imagined.

One chapter changed my entire career trajectory.

Most PhDs wait for the "perfect" opportunity to write a book chapter.

Smart PhDs create their own opportunities and follow a proven system.

What's stopping you from proposing your first book chapter?

#phd #academicwriting #bookchapter #research #publishing

PhDs, here's how to choose the perfect journal for your research and avoid 6 months of wasted time.

My PhD student submitted her groundbreaking research to the wrong journal before consulting with me.

Li had spent 2 years on breakthrough research.

Without asking for guidance, she submitted to a top-tier general journal.

Six months later: rejection.

The reason? "Not suitable for our broad readership."

Her research was brilliant, but she'd chosen the wrong audience.

Here's why choosing the right journal can make or break your PhD:

→ Wrong journal choice wastes 6-12 months of waiting time
→ Rejection damages your confidence and delays graduation
→ Right journal increases your chances of acceptance by 300%
→ Proper audience ensures your research actually gets read and cited

Here's the system I taught Li that got her paper published:

Check Your References
→ Count which journals appear most in your reference list
→ These journals likely fit your research area best
→ They're already publishing work like yours

Find Your Audience 
→ Choose journals read by people who care about your topic
→ Check if journal scope matches your research area
→ Look beyond general prestige to specific relevance

Look Beyond Impact Factor
→ A lower-ranked specialized journal might be better than high-impact general one
→ Specialized journals often have more engaged readership
→ Your work gets noticed by the right people

Avoid Predatory Journals
→ Check if the journal does proper peer review
→ Verify the journal's reputation online
→ Look for red flags like pay-to-publish schemes

Read the Guidelines
→ Follow formatting and submission rules exactly
→ Every journal has specific requirements
→ Small mistakes can lead to immediate rejection

Write a Strong Cover Letter
→ Suggest credible reviewers for your paper
→ Highlight what's new about your research
→ Show you understand their audience

Be Patient and Persistent
→ Most journals reject about 50% of submissions
→ Rejections are normal learning opportunities
→ Keep improving and resubmitting

When Li applied this system:

→ Her resubmitted paper got accepted in 2 months
→ She received 3 collaboration requests 
→ Her research led to a postdoc offer at a top university

The difference wasn't her research quality.

The difference was finding the right home for her work.

Most PhD students submit to journals based on prestige alone without consulting their supervisors.

Smart researchers ask for guidance before hitting submit.

Your brilliant research deserves to be read by people who care about it.

What's the biggest challenge you face when choosing a journal for your research?

#phd #research #journalpublishing #academicwriting #publishing

PhD Students – How to get your paper accepted even with an unsupportive supervisor?

First, why you need reliable paper feedback?

You need quality feedback:
↳ To identify weaknesses before submission
↳ To improve your argument structure and logic
↳ To ensure proper citation and methodology
↳ To catch errors that could lead to rejection
↳ To boost your confidence before submitting

But what if your supervisor is too busy or unsupportive?

Meet PaperCheck your AI Paper Supervisor that provides expert feedback in minutes.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬?

1️⃣ Upload your paper to PaperCheck
2️⃣ Select language and data handling preferences (delete after analysis)
3️⃣ Personalize what you want the review to focus on
4️⃣ Receive comprehensive review in ~5 minutes
5️⃣ View detailed feedback on Abstract, Argument Analysis, Consistency Check, Logical Errors
6️⃣ Check the entire proofread paper with grammar improvements and corrections

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬:

✅ High expertise (vs. limited ChatGPT knowledge)
✅ Cost-effective (vs. expensive professional services)
✅ Reliable feedback in 3 minutes (vs. days waiting for friends/supervisors)
✅ Comprehensive analysis of methodology, citations, and structure

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐦 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞:

➝ Tell PaperCheck which paper sections it needs to pay more attention to when reviewing
➝ Upload your most complete draft for comprehensive feedback
➝ Use the personalization feature to target your paper's weak points
➝ Review both the overview and detailed section-by-section feedback
➝ Apply the grammar corrections systematically

Stop waiting for unavailable supervisors. Get the expert feedback you deserve.

Try PaperCheck for FREE today and transform your paper before submission. https://lnkd.in/ej7DGcxV

Also get 15% off using my Discount Code: phdtoprof15

Have you struggled with getting timely feedback on your research? 👇

#PhD #research #academicwriting #paperreview #thesis #gradschool #academiclife #researchwriting

PaperCheck

PhDs - how to turn your rejected research papers into compelling stories that reviewers actually want to read.

I was ready to quit after my third paper rejection.

The reviewers kept saying my work was "difficult to follow" and "lacks coherence."

My research was solid, but my writing was terrible.

That's when I discovered something that changed everything:

Great research papers tell stories.

Here's the story framework that got my next paper accepted:

Most researchers write papers like technical reports.

They dump data and analysis without any narrative flow.

But readers need a story to follow your research journey.

I started using the Research Paper Story Pyramid:

The Hook = Introduction
→ Set the stage with an intriguing question
→ Make readers curious about what comes next
→ Create immediate engagement

The Challenge = Literature Review
→ Introduce the tensions and gaps in your field
→ Build drama around what's missing
→ Show why this problem matters

The Quest = Methodology
→ Reveal your master plan for tackling the challenge
→ Show readers your approach to solving the mystery
→ Build anticipation for what you'll discover

The Discovery = Results
→ Unveil findings that transform understanding
→ Present your breakthrough moments
→ Give readers the payoff they've been waiting for

Resolution = Discussion
→ Link discoveries to the bigger picture
→ Show broader implications of your findings
→ Connect back to the original challenge

Legacy = Conclusion
→ End with lasting change and future possibilities
→ Show how your work opens new doors
→ Leave readers inspired to build on your research

The transformation was incredible:

→ My paper got accepted on the first submission
→ Reviewers called it "elegantly structured and compelling"
→ It became my most cited work with 156 citations
→ Editors started inviting me to write review articles

The difference wasn't my research quality.

The difference was telling a story readers wanted to follow.

Your research isn't just data and analysis.

It's a journey of discovery that deserves compelling storytelling.

Most researchers write like robots.

Successful researchers write like storytellers.

Which part of the story pyramid feels most challenging for your current paper?

#phd #academicwriting #research #storytelling

PhD Students – How to identify research gaps and get answers to complex scientific questions in hours instead of months?

First, why you need a reliable research companion?

You need systematic research support:
↳ To quickly map existing knowledge in your field
↳ To identify potential gaps you might have missed
↳ To get starting points for deeper investigation
↳ To organize scattered findings into coherent insights
↳ To accelerate your literature review process while maintaining quality

But what if manual research leaves you overwhelmed and unsure where to focus?

Meet Bohrium SciMaster and Deep Research - your AI Research Companion that helps you systematically explore complex scientific questions and identify promising research directions.

How Bohrium SciMaster supports your research process:

1️⃣ Enter your scientific question to get initial landscape mapping
2️⃣ Refine your focus using AI suggestions as starting points
3️⃣ Let Bohrium help you organize findings from hundreds of sources
4️⃣ Review comprehensive summaries to guide your deeper analysis
5️⃣ Ask follow-up questions to explore areas that interest you most
6️⃣ Export organized findings as foundation for your own critical analysis

SciMaster also supports multi-round conversations. 

You can ask follow-up questions, request clarifications, and explore different aspects of your research without starting over each time 

Why Bohrium SciMaster works as your research companion:

✅ Accelerates initial exploration (while you focus on critical analysis)
✅ Organizes complex information (so you can evaluate and synthesize)
✅ Provides structured starting points (for your deeper investigation)
✅ Highlights potential gaps (that you can investigate further)
✅ Saves time on organization (so you can spend more time thinking)

Some pro tips for collaborative research:

➝ Use Bohrium's SciMaster gap analysis as starting points for your own evaluation
➝ Cross-reference AI findings with your manual research discoveries
➝ Let Bohrium SciMaster organize information while you focus on critical thinking
➝ Use exported reports as scaffolding for your original analysis
➝ Combine AI efficiency with your domain expertise and judgment

Stop getting lost in endless manual searching.

Get organized research support that helps you focus on what matters most: 

your original thinking and analysis.

Try Bohrium SciMaster and Deep Research today as your intelligent research companion.

Try for free using my code to activate SciMaster EMMANUEL - https://lnkd.in/enn6U8RQ

#phd #research #bohrium #researchcompanion #scientificquestions

200,000 followers. Thank you!
I'm still processing this number...

What started as sharing my struggles as a lost PhD student has become a community of researchers, academics, and career-changers supporting each other.

Thank you. Every comment, share, and message matters more than you know.

7 Key Lessons Learned

Here are 7 lessons from building this community that you can apply too:

1. Share your failures, not just your wins
My most engaging posts? 
The ones about rejection letters, failed experiments, and career mistakes. 
Vulnerability builds deeper connections than perfection ever will.

2. Answer the questions no one else will
"How much should I negotiate for my first faculty position?" 
These uncomfortable topics get the most saves and shares. 
Address what people whisper about.

3. Simple beats sophisticated every time
I wrote complex academic posts early on. 
Zero engagement. 
Now I explain tenure requirements like I'm talking to my neighbor. 
Clarity wins.

4. Respond to every comment like it's from a colleague
Each comment is a real person with real challenges. 
I've built lasting relationships by treating LinkedIn like a coffee shop conversation, not a broadcast platform.

5. Your niche is your superpower
When I stopped trying to appeal to "all professionals" and focused on "lost academics," everything changed. 
Narrow focus = stronger community.

6. Consistency beats perfection
Posted 4x per week for 2 years, even when posts flopped. 
The algorithm rewards reliability. 
Your audience rewards showing up.

7. Stories stick, advice bounces off
"Here's how to write a CV" gets ignored. 
"How I rewrote my CV after 47 rejections" gets bookmarked. 
People remember stories, not tips.


What's one lesson from your LinkedIn journey that surprised you?

PhDs - how to structure your first-year proposal so you can pass your progression review and continue your doctoral studies.

This is the first milestone every PhD student faces.

You need to pass this to progress in your PhD journey.

Most PhD students write proposals like scattered thoughts on paper.

They jump between ideas without logical flow.

But successful proposals follow a proven architecture.

Here's the framework that got my mentees & PhDs to pass their PhD progression review:

Chapter 1: Introduction (15-20%)
→ Research background and context
→ Clear problem statement
→ Specific research questions and hypotheses
→ Aims and objectives that make sense
→ Why your research matters right now
→ Roadmap of what's coming next

Chapter 2: Literature Review (25-30%)
→ Theoretical framework that guides everything
→ Review of existing research in your area
→ Clear identification of research gaps
→ Conceptual model showing relationships
→ Where your research fits in the bigger picture

Chapter 3: Methodology (20-25%)
→ Research philosophy that drives your approach
→ Detailed research design
→ Specific data collection methods
→ How you'll analyze what you find
→ Ethical considerations you've thought through
→ Honest limitations and assumptions

Chapter 4: Research Plan (10-15%)
→ Realistic timeline with Gantt Chart
→ Work breakdown showing concrete steps
→ Resource requirements and budget
→ Risk assessment and backup plans
→ Expected outcomes you can measure

Chapter 5: Implications and Conclusion (5-10%)
→ Expected contributions to knowledge
→ Theoretical implications for your field
→ Practical applications in the real world
→ Future research directions you're opening

Plus essential supporting materials: title page, abstract, references, and any pilot data.


This is the first hurdle every PhD student must clear.

Get this right, and you prove you can think systematically about complex problems.

I've now helped 47 students structure their proposals using this framework.

Most students focus on what they want to study.

Smart students focus on how they'll structure their investigation.

Which chapter of your PhD proposal feels most challenging right now?

#phd #proposal #research #phdapplication

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