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In a collaborative project, people need to trust each other and candidly discuss strategies and contingencies.

A little competitiveness can be an excellent thing, but too much can produce an environment that's unhealthy for science--and scientists.

Your best weapon is focused, methodical, patient effort.

Starting the conference well-prepared and maintaining a proper balance between presentations and coffee breaks can make your conference experience a source of inspiration.

"The novice writer makes a big mistake in blaming language knowledge for everything," says Mary Ellen Kerans, chair of the Mediterranean Editors and Translators association in Barcelona, Spain.

Your writing should reflect the same clarity and concision as your research.

It's worthwhile to throw a party every now and then. Apart from the fun involved, it is a great way to celebrate your success and acknowledge your co-workers.

"Earning a Ph.D. is not a vocational qualification anymore. It equips people to go into all sectors of society."

"The priority for most researchers is an independent career in research. For me, the next step is either another postdoc or getting my own funding. But if the funding doesn't come through, I'll probably quit." --John Bothwell

“Used properly, this tool will encourage you, and your lab mates, to operate outside your normal mode of thinking.”

For students brave enough to dust off their passports in seeking a Ph.D., the rewards can be great.

It's a safe bet that some people in your lab are a lot different from you. A first step in getting along with your lab mates (or anyone, for that matter) is acknowledging that they may be hard-wired to approach problems in a certain way.

"The best applications ... have a plan of research ... that is ... realistic [and] at the same time has this visionary quality," says Anders Björklund, chair of the Neurosciences ERC panel.

"A mentor has many characteristics but must first and foremost care about your professional development and have an interest in guiding younger scientists as they move through their careers."

Most PIs recognize that moving is a sacrifice even if it's a good career move. This gives you some leverage to negotiate.

"I like to move very fast and take a lot of risks compared to the traditional Swedish way."

--Mohammed Homman

Value these moments of interaction with your supervisor. … If you are well-prepared, progress-review meetings will make a magnificent contribution to achieving your main goal, the completion of your research projects.

You may discover that lab technicians or the person ordering supplies can profoundly affect the course of your research and the quality of your experience, so be sure to give everyone the respect that they deserve.

The last year of your Ph.D. is distinctly different from the ones that have come before it, because you'll focus primarily on transforming your hard work into thesis chapters.