How PhD Students Should Get Supported by Supervisors
A recent article in the Photonics Spotlight discusses the responsibilities of supervisors (professors and senior research assistance).
Some key statements:
- Even if PhD students can carry out most of the work in a research project, vital inputs are needed from supervisors particularly in the planning phase and when a crisis occurs.
- A helpful supervisor does not only benefit the supported students, but contributes to the effectiveness of the whole research team.
- If serious engagement were the condition of authorship of supervisors, supervisors would be more likely to do their job.
- A substantial risk for science fraud arises only in a serious crisis – and is in that case strongly dependent on how the supervisor performs!
