6 things to expect when starting out as a researcher
6 things to expect when starting out as a researcher The transition from university lab sessions to a full-blown research environment can be challenging for newly-graduated scientists. Adapting to the pace and requirements of a new lab, while meeting your supervisor’s expectations, can be daunting - but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to adapt and make the transition with ease. Here are six things that you’ll probably experience when you join a research unit. It’s not the same as your university lab When you first arrive, you’ll probably notice the difference in layout and equipment between your new lab and the ones you got used to at university. Different types of equipment and a workspace that is arranged for collaboration (instead [...]
What are sustainable livelihoods and how do they reduce poverty?
What are sustainable livelihoods and how do they reduce poverty? Despite education, democracy, and advances in technology, poor communities around the world continue to experience significant challenges, especially in less-developed rural communities. After decades of intervention by governments, NGOs and academic research projects, the successes and failures of rural development have resulted in a holistic system that aims to empower poor communities - the sustainable livelihoods approach. What are sustainable livelihoods? Poor rural communities are as diverse as their countries and cultures of origin, but they share a few common skills, goals and challenges. With a focus on agriculture and crafts-based manufacturing, these communities have skills that were developed over centuries or longer - they simply need to be optimised for our modern [...]
Top Green Tech Trends for 2017
Top Green Tech Trends for 2017 The development of green technology has reached levels that were unimaginable a decade or two ago - but what lies in store for the sector in 2017? Here are some of the most important emerging trends. Power storage, smart homes, and solar energy Three broad categories of innovative green products are making their presence felt in the market this year, with clean energy solutions and fully-integrated smart homes leading the charge. New-generation energy storage From hydrogen fuel cells to fast-charging batteries, start-ups are setting trends in 2017. While well-known companies like Tesla continue their dominance, low production costs and innovative online marketing are making it easier than ever for startups to build prototypes and take their sustainable [...]
10 Fail-Safe Interview Tips
10 Fail-Safe Interview Tips The dreaded interview process is a gauntlet that must be run by every graduate. Although the process is undoubtedly daunting, there are some substantive steps that all candidates can take to give themselves an advantage over their peers. Know the Business - The candidate who knows the employer’s website backwards and forward is likely to stand out from those who only seem to have a cursory knowledge in the operations of the business. Research the Industry – Certain industries require a specific type of graduate. As such, it is often possible to have a fairly good idea as to the type of industry-related questions you might be asked in your interview through a quick Google search. Preparing thorough answers [...]
The Social and Economic Impact of a Water Scarcity
The Social and Economic Impact of a Water Scarcity With every other Hollywood blockbuster featuring a dystopian future with no water, one would be forgiven for thinking that South Africa, given its current lack of rain, is on the cusp of doomsday. Although the reality of the situation isn’t nearly so dramatic, we would be well advised to take heed of the social and economic consequences that do accompany a water scarcity. Economic Consequences A lack of water can pose a major obstacle to economic prosperity with many sectors relying on the precious resource in their operations. For instance, there are the obvious examples of the agricultural industry and the mining sector both struggling in the wake of the recent drought, while the [...]
The Impact of Women in Research
The Impact of Women in Research Women have been responsible for some of humanity’s greatest contributions to science and research. However, women are frequently denied their due credit, with male counterparts and the media all too often downplaying their contributions. With this in mind, we take a step back and stop for a moment to appreciate the true impact of women in research. Marie Curie Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only woman to win this award in two separate categories. Curie’s research predominantly centred on radioactivity, and she is perhaps best known for her discovery of two new elements, Polonium and Radium. Katherine Johnson The protagonist in the recent based-on-a-true-story Hollywood blockbuster, “Hidden Figures”, [...]
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