Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is a science blog, but one whose focus is on the human side of science. The goal of science is to obtain an objective description of the natural world, but the practice of science is carried out by all-too-fallible and ineradicably subjective human beings.

Consequently, while science continues to add to the sum total of human knowledge, there are many aspects of the scientific process, the scientific life, and scientists’ careers that are suboptimal – and maybe even detrimental to the overall rate of progress.

TIR is dedicated to examining and discussing these issues – sometimes seriously, sometimes whimsically, and sometimes just by being silly. The mandate is summarised in the name:

Total – all scientific topics are open to discussion.

Internal – TIR is written by a scientist (see “About Me“), so the perspective is from within the scientific community.

Reflection – what the purpose of the postings is. To reflect on issues, stimulate discussion, and agitate for change.

As of 2025, there are ten categories of posting:

1. Coronavirus pandemic (mostly articles written during the pandemic itself, but also dealing with its aftermath)
2. Funding (money in science, its sources, its distribution, and its scarcity)
3. Gender equality, Family life (gender equality and parenting issues in science)
4. How to… (tips for scientists on how to improve their soft skills)
5. Life at the bench (everyday issues confronting bench scientists)
6. Life in MedComms (what life in biotech/pharma is like)
7. Mentoring, teaching (mentoring of young scientists, teaching of undergraduates)
8. Minorities in science (perspectives from and of minoritised scientists)
9. Publishing (the dissemination of scientific information)
10. The World of Science (dealing with science from a global/philosophical perspective)

And yes, it is a pretentious name! (If you’re curious as to what total internal reflection actually is, see “The Name“)

(Please note that all opinions expressed here are the author’s alone)