Head Space

Calm productivity for academics

Category: Research

  • Presenting research without over-reaching

    Academic presentations sometimes tempt us to overextend our research claims. Instead, articulate specific contributions accurately by presenting findings within their proper scope, using precise language that matches your evidence, and acknowledging limitations transparently. This approach demonstrates scholarly integrity while still effectively communicating your work’s genuine value to colleagues.

  • Crafting engaging academic presentations

    Creating effective academic presentations requires understanding your audience, establishing clear motivation, and simplifying visual elements. Practice thoughtfully to build confidence, especially when presenting in a non-native language. By focusing on clarity and engagement, researchers can successfully share their work in ways that resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

  • Google Scholar PDF Reader adds AI outlines

    Google Scholar has introduced AI outlines in its PDF Reader to help users read papers more efficiently. These outlines provide an extended table of contents with bullet points for each key section. Users can skim the outline for a quick overview or click on specific bullets to dive deeper into topics of interest.

  • Slower scholarship for greater impact

    In academia’s ‘publish or perish’ culture, quality often suffers for quantity. This post advocates for slower scholarship, emphasising how prioritising quality over quantity in academic publishing can lead to more impactful research and greater personal satisfaction. Learn practical strategies to integrate this approach into your daily academic practice for meaningful contributions to your field.

  • Overcoming academic conference fatigue

    Academic conference fatigue is a growing concern where traditional programmes often lack the time for reflection and meaningful connections. However, there are alternatives, like communities and unconferences, which offer more sustainable and enriching forms of professional growth. This post proposes several strategies to improve conference experiences, including dedicated reflection time and “slow learning” tracks.

  • Minimalist data presentation

    Overloading data presentations with excessive design elements can overwhelm and confuse the audience. Adopting a minimalist approach by removing unnecessary clutter enhances clarity and focuses attention on the key message. This principle of simplicity could similarly reduce stress and improve efficacy in daily academic work.

  • Managing information overload with fewer inboxes

    Learn how to manage information overload by streamlining your information channels. Rather than managing multiple inboxes across email, reference managers, and note-taking apps, discover practical strategies for consolidating your information flow. Create a sustainable system that reduces cognitive overhead and creates space for meaningful work.

  • Google Scholar PDF Reader

    The Google Scholar PDF Reader extension provides additional functionality to help with reading PDFs in the browser.

  • Managing academic reading lists

    Managing academic reading lists can feel overwhelming. Rather than trying to read everything, treat your reading list like a river – selectively sampling valuable content while letting less important items flow past. This mindset shift helps create a more sustainable and effective approach to managing academic literature without the guilt.

  • Streamline your research with AI PDF analysis tools in the browser

    Looking for a smarter way to work with research papers? Learn how to leverage AI PDF analysis tools built into Edge browser’s Copilot sidebar for immediate document processing and analysis. This powerful feature helps academics engage with research materials more efficiently, though some advanced features require an Enterprise license.

  • [Note] Information is exchanged but knowledge is constructed

    “Information is exchanged. Knowledge is constructed.” – Amy Rae Fox