The Craft of Scientific Research: lecture 4
The craft of Scientific Research focuses on a set of transferable skills that are deemed essential for the practice of scientific research. The first part of three lectures focuses on the fundamental concept of scientific truth and how humanity pursues it: Why do we need to know? What is a model? How do we know? Then we deliver a long list of “how to” lectures: How to choose a research topic, How to write and publish a scientific paper, How to review a paper or a grant, How to give a scientific presentation, How to do research, How to build and run a research group, and How to write a grant application. Grant writing and peer reviewing will also be the subject of two tutorials and two individual projects; their completion will be required to pass the exam. The delivery is hybrid: all frontal teaching will be done online, but the two tutorials require physical attendance.
Lecture 4: How to choose a research topic
After a general reflection on the two purposes of scientific research (to increase humanity’s knowledge and solve humanity’s problems), we review some current opinions on choosing falsifiable research questions. Then, I took my own research trajectory, during which I authored or co-authored over 400 papers and reflected on why I chose that research topic over others. I identify 13 different motivations, which I critically discuss using my career as an example.
To attend, access this Microsoft Teams virtual classroom.
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