In the current climate I thought I would tweet more advice for researchers (esp #EMCRs) who may be stressed about the current situation & what #workingfromhome might mean for their productivity. I have already tweeted on critiquing a paper. This is for those who have data. 1/10
With no wet lab expts possible during lockdown, go thru your data thoroughly. Catch up on analysis if you are behind (a common scenario!). If you need specialised licensed software many of these have opened up public access due to #COVID19 so you can access from home. 2/10
If you haven’t already, start compiling graphs of your data. Start putting ea graph into a Fig (for thesis/manuscript). Each Fig should tell a cohesive part of your story. Look at ea Fig & decide if any data is needed to complete the Fig (more expt replicates, other expts) 3/10
If more data is needed (other than replicates), do you already have data from other expts that may complete the Fig (sometimes data from other parts of projects may work). If not, make a list of plans for expts to do to complete ea Fig when your expts can recommence. 4/10
If you haven’t learned how to use software that assist in generating Figs (whatever the lab has & uses normally), learn from home. These all have user-friendly instructions and you can teach yourself- it will likely take time but now may be the perfect time to do this! 5/10
If you have sufficient Figs for a chapter/manuscript write it up (let your lab head know of your plans/see each Fig for approval/advice). Writing a paper or thesis takes longer than you think so start ASAP. If you have an almost complete story start writing it too. 6/10
If you don’t have enough data yet & have planned future expts consider writing a review (if applicable, thesis intro) on a topic in your field (see my earlier thread from today on critiquing papers). Be novel- try & write a review from a diff perspective than those existing. 7/10
If you are more snr, write a grant (discuss with lab head 1st!). Ask others for copies of their successful grants if they applied to the same scheme. Familiarise yourself with the scheme. It doesn’t matter how far away the grant deadline is, these take time to write too. 8/10
If you are a new lab head & haven’t advanced far (many in this boat), same applies. Do you have any unfinished manuscripts from your post-doc? Any reviews/grants you can write? These will give you plenty to do & also help you to plan for the future once expts can recommence. 9/10
Take breaks, get some exercise, do something relaxing, treat yourself. If you procrastinate, don’t stress, this is normal & your subconscious is actively working even if you are not (IMO anyway!). Do bits & pieces at a time until you are in the swing of things! Good luck! 10/10
