Thread by @bioinfo_mark

Important point I need to address. Ur prob right, @neurosutras. 😊

I def don’t want/intend to be a jerk.

I took a calculated risk with my boldness. It’s *mostly* for the trainees.

Mini 🧵

#AAIC #AAIC2022 #AAIC22 #sciencetwitter #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #phdchat

https://twitter.com/neurosutras/status/1555183787851530240

1. Bad talks are a serious problem for all attendees, but esp. for trainees. Trainees often leave conferences feeling “stupid” because they didn’t understand most talks. Why wouldn’t they? The speakers are “experts”. Turns out trainees aren’t the problem. The talks were bad.

2. Trainees see “experts” give talks and copy their techniques. Bad habits perpetuate.

3. If we (scientists) *genuinely* care (I mean *really* care) about our work, trainees, etc., then we will fight our egos and not only accept constructive criticism, but actually *embrace* and *seek* it. Our egos are NOT our friends.

4. Most PIs think they’re good presenters. Unfortunately, they’re just not, and I felt like I needed to address directly.

Was that a mistake? Maybe. But it needs addressed.

This isn’t an attack, and it’s not their fault. These bad habits have been around for “generations”.

I sincerely invite all of us (including myself) to dig deep and fight our egos.

Even in hindsight, I probably wouldn’t change my delivery, but I understand if anyone interprets it harshly—or hates me for it. 😁

That said, I sincerely want to contribute to a safe and positive #ScienceTwitter, and welcome the feedback.

I sincerely dislike the toxic culture that persists in academia, generally, and #ScienceTwitter, specifically.

So, thank you for the feedback.