Building a career in science is challenging. and graduate students, post docs, young and even not so young PIs struggle. How and where to start? How to continue and progress? What to avoid? How to grow? How to survive? As often, there is no single right path to “Rome” a.k.a to achieve that goal and we had a chance to discuss various approaches at different conferences (e.g., GRS/GRC, EEC2024) and mentoring activities over the summer (e.g., ILAE Mentoring Program, AriadneMed mentoring program at FAU).

One take to build a science career is to be unique, to pioneer ideas, and leave topics that are overly occupied behind. This helps for establishing a recognizable profile. Being niche can be one of many ways to set you apart in a highly competitive field. Specializing in a specific area allows you to become an expert, making your work more distinct and memorable.

Being a pioneer and working new frontiers may, however, also come at the downside of sometimes feeling alone, with lack of support, and hitting barriers with regards to breaking down dogmas, introducing new concepts, and shifting an entire field’s focus into new directions. Here, persistence and surrounding yourself with a peer group of people sharing the same spirit as you, can help. In this regard, feel free to reach out to us and connect yourself with the Kobow Lab.

Stay strong! Keep the excitement! Enjoy the science!