In the realm of academia, the journey of a research professor is a distinctive one, often laden with challenges and unique demands. Unlike their teaching-focused counterparts, research professors dedicate extensive hours to developing manuscripts, securing grants, and collaborating on research endeavors. Yet, amidst these demands, maintaining a sense of balance and fulfillment is paramount.

The Academic's Guide to Longevity and Fulfillment: 25 Rules for Research Professors
PEXELS / Edmond Dantès

Drawing from 45 years of academic experience, a senior professor at a renowned research university shares invaluable insights and guidelines-crafted through years of experience and interaction with colleagues and students alike. These guidelines, often referred to as "rules of conduct," offer a roadmap to not only surviving but thriving in the world of research academia.

Health and Overall Well-Being

  1. Spend time doing what you love: Incorporate activities that bring you joy into your routine to prevent burnout.
  2. Work to stay strong, healthy, and content: Devote time to activities that maintain and improve your physical and mental health.
  3. Recognize that no job is ideal: Make the best of where you are and identify ways to make your institution stronger. Don't be envious of colleagues at more prestigious universities.
  4. Determine your own worth: Base your assessment on personal measures of success, such as satisfaction with your work and positive feedback from students and colleagues.

Research

  1. Learn how to effectively apply for grants: Obtain copies of successful grant proposals for guidance in developing your own.
  2. Continually broaden your scope: Learn new skills and research content to maintain enthusiasm. Consider collaborating with experts in other fields.
  3. Delegate routine tasks: Pay someone or offer co-authorship to help with tasks like creating figures and formatting bibliographies.
  4. Be willing to review papers and proposals: Stay informed about advances in your research area and support colleagues by providing feedback.

Working With Grad Students and Junior Colleagues

  1. Help students publish papers: Edit or rewrite papers to help students develop as scientists and advance the academic discipline.
  2. Work closely with first-year graduate students: Encourage them to develop their own projects as they mature as scientists.
  3. Be fair, generous, and transparent with authorship: Especially on projects involving junior colleagues, ensure proper recognition for their contributions.

Students and Teaching

  1. Follow "The Golden Rule of being a professor": Treat students the way you would like professors to treat someone in your family or how you wish you had been treated as a student.
  2. Use your research to strengthen your teaching: Explore new research ideas through teaching, particularly in advanced courses and seminars.
  3. Read and review student work promptly: Provide feedback within one or two weeks to support student progress.
  4. Get to know students and research group members as people: Show respect and sympathy, and meet regularly to stay aware of their progress and challenges.

Collegial Relationships

  1. Nominate students and colleagues for awards and fellowships: Focus on junior colleagues and create goodwill within the academic community.
  2. Ask colleagues to nominate you for awards and fellowships: Advocate for yourself to advance your career.
  3. Keep in regular touch with colleagues: Develop friendships, exchange advice, and stay informed about current ideas in the field.

Outside Relationships

  1. Attend seminars and society meetings: Grow your research network and gain new information and insights.
  2. Help colleagues improve their English writing: Support foreign colleagues by editing their papers or connecting them with editors.
  3. Write recommendation letters: Support students and colleagues by writing letters that help them advance in their careers.

The Wider Audience

  1. Make your research available to a broad audience: Publish popular versions of your academic articles and engage with journalists and on social media.
  2. Update your website regularly: Share your recent academic papers with colleagues to ensure your work is read by the target audience.

Talks and Travel

  1. Meet with early-career individuals when visiting other universities: Treat them for dinner or lunch to establish lasting connections.
  2. Arrive early to talks and seminars: Chat with audience members to tailor your presentation to their backgrounds and interests.

The guidelines offered by this seasoned professor serve as a beacon of wisdom for aspiring and seasoned researchers alike. By prioritizing personal well-being, fostering a culture of collaboration, and embracing the multifaceted nature of academia, research professors can navigate the challenges of their profession with resilience and purpose.