Oliver A. H. Jones

Storm rain clouds above house roof in Australia, superimposed with scientists using microscopes. To illustrate Australia’s blue research skies clouding over.

Australia’s blue research skies are clouding over

Last month, the Australian Academy of Science condemned the country’s ongoing review of research for ignoring a long-term funding decline that has left basic research at ‘breaking point’. Was that a rhetorical overstatement or a sober statement of fact? Five researchers offer their own perspectives

By Oliver A. H. Jones

25 November

Academic networking: a cynic’s game?

Junior scholars are urged to do all they can to build bridges with the people who can give them jobs and promotions. But how calculating should they be about who to approach? How should they do it? And isn’t it all a bit grubby? Six established academics explain their perspectives

By Lee Cronin

12 September

In Bodden harbour, large pink glasses Sea Pink II by Marc Moser, sculptor from Switzerland

What I’m doing differently this year

From dedicating time for brainstorming to taking inspiration from their dog, five writers explain how they are changing their approach to academia and life as another academic year begins in the northern hemisphere

By Russell Foster

12 October

Man standing in boxer shorts on stage illustrating feature article about worst university teaching moments

My worst teaching moment – and what it taught me

All academics have had that anxiety dream about standing up to give a lecture, only to realise they have forgotten to prepare anything – or to put on any clothes. But real teaching failures are rarely so disastrous – and many are teachable moments. Seven academics tell us their hard-earned lessons

By Emma Rees

3 March

A man disinfects tables in an empty exam room as a metaphor for Is it time to rethink s tudent assessment?

Is it time to reassess student assessment?

The pandemic has accelerated numerous experiments in assessment for the digital age, moving beyond simple knowledge recall. But is the traditional exam really obsolete? As the dust settles on another marking season, seven academics give their widely differing views

By Jill Hicks-Keeton

22 July

In it for the long haul? Reflections on international relocation

Moving overseas is often the best way to further an academic career, but the transition to a new system and culture can be painful. Six academics recount their experiences and offer their tips

By Tara Brabazon

27 February

How can academics keep up with the literature?

Mounting workloads and mushrooming publication output are making the task of staying abreast of the latest developments in the literature ever more difficult for academics. Here, eight researchers reflect on their own approaches and offer their tips

By Verity Archer

22 August