The PhD Process: Guidance for Students and Supervisors. An interview with professor Terje Aven by associate professor Marja Ylönen

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

Episode transcription