Researcher blogs

2025 in review

In this post, we summarize our publications from 2025. From fascinating side hustles to practical application writing tips and engaging career portraits, the blog posts of 2025 reflect the diverse perspectives of our bloggers. Enjoy!

Written by Natalie von der Lehr and Vladimir Pabón Martinez

Masterclass in Interview Techniques

PhD students enrolled in the Career Skills for Scientists course are tasked with conducting two informational interviews: one with an academic professional and another with someone outside academia. Writing a career portrait for publication on the KI researchers’ blog is optional.

A longstanding itiniary of the course has been Natalie’s lecture, which focuses on science communication, interview techniques, and popular science writing. This autumn, we adapted the content into a “how-to” lecture. During the hour-long session, Natalie concentrated on interview techniques, addressing practical issues and how to leverage the material collected from the interviews and preliminary research. Participants received written instructions that included tips, examples, and links to career portraits from this blog and beyond.

That was all it took to spark creativity.

A few weeks later, our inboxes filled with career portraits for feedback. All submissions were impressive from the start, making it a pleasure to read about the various careers. It became clear that interviewees opened up, sharing invaluable insights into their careers – details often absent from self-promotional LinkedIn updates.

What Can We Learn From This?

First, PhD students excel at following instructions. Much like in research, when provided with a protocol, resources, and space for creativity, they produce remarkable outcomes. The texts prepared for the blog were nearly ready for publication after some feedback and editing.

The process mirrors that of the TV show Masterchef, where contestants create exquisite dishes using provided ingredients and receive feedback from expert judges. The key difference between Career Skills for Scientists and Masterchef is that no one is eliminated from the course.

In 2026, this segment of the course will undoubtedly remain a masterclass in interview techniques, and we eagerly anticipate the projects that will emerge.

Second, as the students adeptly follow instructions and meet the brief, they also skillfully distill the unique aspects of each career, giving each portrait a personal touch. They excel at summarizing substantial information and presenting it attractively and coherently – skills that cannot be underestimated (and cannot be replicated by AI). If you need an overview of complex information, seek out someone with a PhD.

Third, the scientific community thrives on generosity. Interviewees willingly share their time and experiences, while course participants invest energy in sharing these stories on the blog. This effort serves as both a valuable exercise for them and a source of inspiration for their fellow young scientists. This spirit of community, rather than competition, is essential for navigating varied scientific careers and maximizing everyone’s potential.

Moving Beyond Binary Narratives of Scientific Careers

For too long, we’ve relied on a binary narrative of scientific careers, often using these terms for simplicity. However, it’s time to shift our perspective. The interviews and career portraits reveal countless possibilities within and beyond academia. Instead of an “in or out” mindset, we should ask, “Which path is best for me?” or even consider pioneering new avenues. Many contemporary roles are interdisciplinary, blurring the lines between academia and other sectors, allowing scientists to combine diverse interests and take on multiple roles, enriching both research and society.

Explore the Career Portraits of 2025:

• From Serendipity to Success
• A Lifelong Curiosity
• Where Medicine Meets Discovery
• Science, Leadership, and Public Initiatives
• From Sociology to Systems Change
• From Lab to Pharmacoepidemiology
• Not Your Classic Academic Role
• It Takes a Village to Do Science That Matters
• Sales and Marketing as Teaching and Storytelling
• “Try to Understand What You Want from Your Life”
• A Perfect Role for Nerds Who Are Extroverts
• Casual Inference and Academic Freedom
• Stopping Viruses Before They Spread
• The Science of Biosafety and Not Forgetting

Stay tuned for more in 2026!

Successful Applications and Engaging Side Hustles

Returning to the topic of writing, crafting applications is a fundamental aspect of a scientific career. Many encounter this challenge when seeking funding for postdoctoral positions, and the journey doesn’t end there. Blogger Alanna Castro Panzenhagen has summarized her experience applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) in a helpful guide. Perhaps most importantly, remember to enjoy the process, as the application represents a project you are passionate about.

Another crucial aspect of scientific life is publishing. What better way to gain insight into the publishing process than by serving as an Assistant Deputy Editor while still a PhD student? Hager Saleh shares her experiences and lessons learned from her immersion in the publishing world.

To truly understand the publishing process, it’s essential to become actively involved in it—just as Hager has done.

Learning Along the Way

Uncertainty is a constant companion in academic life. There are many moments of not knowing the outcomes of experiments, manuscripts, or grant applications. While this uncertainty can be frustrating, it can also offer valuable opportunities for growth. PhD student Hager Saleh reflects on these challenges in her research, exploring how uncertainty can lead to personal and professional development.

Translation of medical research into clinical applications is vital, but what about its translation to other specialists within the field? This is essential in interdisciplinary research, fostering fruitful collaborations that contribute to advancements in clinical practice. Meruert Sarsenova, who defended her PhD on endometriosis in April, summarizes her thoughts and experiences working across disciplines in two countries.

Apart from learning, PhD students and postdocs can also teach. Postdoctoral researcher Alanna Castro Panzenhagen has participated in the initiative “Borrow a Researcher” and has engaged in conversation with a high school class. Read more about her experience and a day of learning.

Looking forward to 2026

We take great pride in all the contributions to this blog. Thank you to all the bloggers for sharing your insights and advice throughout 2025. We wish you all the best in 2026 and look forward to another year filled with engaging content!

And a heartfelt thank you to all our readers – we hope you enjoy the blog!

Best wishes, Natalie and Vladimir