Research leadership

Even high-profile scientists are struggling to recruit qualified postdoctoral researchers.

Six technicians and managers share tips on how their roles can be better developed and supported.

Federal whistle-blowers share stories about political interference in science, and explain why the long-awaited measures announced last week are needed.

Early-career encounters and experiences can help to shape leadership styles and the values that drive a research group’s ethos, culture and priorities.

Helping with grant applications, ensuring compliance and coordinating with funders is all part of the job.

I found job satisfaction and exciting opportunities in supporting other academics — but it’s a career path that many don’t consider. Try it.

Many institutions publicly pledged their commitment to inclusion after Black Lives Matter protests this year. And researchers emphasize the need to maintain momentum.

Scientists from both countries must rise above political rhetoric for the sake of all, says Xiao-Nong Zhou.

Volunteering with an organization can improve communication and help you adapt to the unexpected, say Sarah Groover and Ruth Gotian.

Lessons in leadership from outside the laboratory.

An opportunity to do a visiting fellowship in New Zealand meant Thomas Bennett had to manage his UK research group from afar — and so change his leadership approach.

A productive lab need not be a negative environment, says Fernando T. Maestre.

Getting hold of the right equipment can be costly, so here’s a primer for cash-strapped principal investigators.

A special issue on how to make lab groups productive, rigorous and happy.

Want to get the best research from your team? Take these six steps to invest in stronger relationships, urges Alison Antes.

A list of talking points can help with navigating potentially difficult topics and sticky negotiations.

Two researchers describe how they successfully manage a mentoring arrangement in which face-to-face meetings are rare.

Nature’s 2018 mentoring awards focus on supportive senior researchers in the US South.

Knowing when to hand-hold and when to step back is crucial for helping early-career researchers.

Recognizing that fact could help researchers in their journey through their graduate studies, says one second-year PhD student.

I was lucky to have a PhD supervisor whose mentorship transformed my academic experience, says Emma Kathryn White.

Bela Z. Schmidt’s quest to understand an all-too-familiar career setback can be distilled into eight pieces of advice.

Universities should take responsibility to ensure professional science is performed in an environment that is supportive, productive and rigorous.

Scientists with first-hand experience of rejection offer their advice.

Six early-career researchers offer advice on how to secure a permanent contract in academia, and then make the most of it.

Asian researchers and engineers are too rarely made US science leaders, say Lilian Gomory Wu and Wei Jing

A Nature survey of 3,200 scientists reveals the tensions bubbling in research groups around the world.

Leadership skills need to be nurtured early in a career, say Toddi A. Steelman and Jeffrey J. McDonnell.