Nowadays it’s pretty standard for an academic paper to have a long list of authors – but who are those authors anyway? Continue reading
The 9 types of academic authors
Black Lives Matter – an interview with Dr. Calvin Tiengwe
The Black Lives Matter protests have shone a light on the systemic racism present at all levels in developed countries, including in academia. TIR spoke to Dr. Calvin Tiengwe of Imperial College London to get his perspective on the protests, the problem, and possible solutions. Continue reading
Put to the test
One of the easiest and sincerest ways of flattering hosts is to observe that they’re a proud people. And the wellspring, the essence of that pride, be it in nation, region, religion, sports club or street gang, is that almost every human grouping thinks it’s the best. In-group identity naturally comes with an encoded sense of self-esteem. You take pride in your group, and you therefore want to believe it’s better than the others. Continue reading
Nuts and bolts (a short guide to writing Materials & Methods sections)
Clear Materials and Methods sections are essential for other scientists to reproduce your work. Here’s a short guide on how to write them. Continue reading
Survivor guilt, scientist guilt
What and how much must scientists do, to feel that they’ve done enough? Continue reading
Lockdown and out
The looming relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures is exposing the public to the messy basis of scientific fact-building. Continue reading
Singing the pandemic blues (a musical interlude)
Here are the lyrics to the song Elton John didn’t perform at the One World: Together at Home concert.
To the tune of “I guess that’s why they call it the blues” by Elton John Continue reading
Death and Resurrection
For Christians (and some non-believers looking for calendar-based motivation), the buildup to Easter is a time of 40 days fasting, prayer, and penance. One of the more ironic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is that most of the globe has been forced into a similar 40 days-or-more Lenten period of physical isolation and the deprivation of many societal comforts. This is penance, 21st century style, although the vast majority of those doing penance have nothing to repent. The punishment, such as it is, has been imposed by our governments. Continue reading
Powerlessness and impotence
The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the abilities and limitations of medics and scientists alike. Continue reading
Blinded by bodycount
The coronavirus pandemic illustrates the fallacy of obsessing over mortality rates. Continue reading
