In this interview with Professor Terje Aven by associate professor Marja Ylönen, Aven reveals why paper writing is the real skill of a PhD, how to write every day without burning out, why supervisors must be tough, and why an ambition of ‘changing the world’ is the fastest way to struggle.
- What really motivates you to do a PhD?
- Why an ambition of “changing the world” will make you struggle
- Finding meaning in the small research achievements
- Why paper writing (not monographs) is the core of your PhD (2:50)
- Writing scientific papers: a skill like learning to ride a bike (3:15)
- Daily writing routine that actually gives you progress (4:20)
- How often should you meet your supervisor? (5:38)
- What supervisors must expect and deliver (6:03)
- How to handle tough feedback with humility (6:28)
- Starting your first paper – formulating the main idea & contribution (7:12)
- Why you should write the abstract BEFORE doing the research (8:57)
- Scientific presentations (17:40)
- Staying abroad (22:11)
- Final advice for students & supervisors (23:22)
Host: Associate Professor Marja Ylönen
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:00 — 27.5MB) | Embed