The hottest Academia Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Path of Heterodoxy

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 87 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Academia Pandemic Immunity
  1. Being unconventional in the academic world can lead to resistance and pushback from those in power, but staying true to your discoveries and principles is important.
  2. Challenging orthodox beliefs and standing by your heterodox views may result in alienation and hostility, but it can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
  3. Navigating the path of heterodoxy requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to face criticism and rejection, but in the end, it can lead to finding a community of like-minded individuals and true allies.

The Optimistic Bulldog

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Career transition Academia Higher education Self-employment
  1. Dr. Lauren McClain found fulfillment in entrepreneurship after leaving academia, where she realized she could be in control of her own destiny and income.
  2. The transition from academia to entrepreneurship involved self-reflection, learning new skills, and embracing challenges, proving that one can adapt and succeed in unfamiliar territories.
  3. Entering entrepreneurship allowed Dr. Lauren McClain to utilize her strengths and optimism to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating that one can still make a difference in different ways outside of traditional academic settings.

SPSP Censorship 2.0: "We Are Above the Rules"

Unsafe Science • 79 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🚌 Education Academia Research Publication Ethics Social media
  1. Individuals who believe they are above the rules can be harmful to society or organizations.
  2. SPSP did not abide by professional guidelines for retraction, choosing to make up reasons to retract papers.
  3. There was a discrepancy in how SPSP handled different posters, allowing some politically motivated content while taking down others.
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Who Agrees with Hitler?

Unsafe Science • 223 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Political Ideology Academia Activism Partisanship
  1. The study found that people were more likely to agree with negative statements when they were about white people compared to other racial groups.
  2. Political affiliation influenced the level of agreement with negative statements, with liberals showing higher agreement with anti-white sentiments.
  3. The research highlighted how tribalism and prejudice can influence attitudes towards different demographic groups.

On the communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology

Heterodox STEM • 220 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
💾 History Communism Totalitarianism Ideology Academia Antisemitism
  1. The communist origins of diversity, equality, and inclusion ideology can be traced back to Lenin and Soviet history.
  2. Lenin promoted reducing high salaries and creating ideological control in Soviet Union which has parallels to current movements in academia.
  3. There are alarming similarities between the practices of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives in academia and the ideological control in the Soviet Union, leading to the censorship of ideas and persecution of dissent.

A psychology PhD's journey from academe to human factors engineering

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Psychology Engineering Academia Career transition Professional networking
  1. Ashley Ruba transitioned successfully from academia to the industry, showcasing the value of building online professional relationships.
  2. The academic job market can be challenging and unmeritocratic, leading to difficulties in securing faculty positions despite impressive achievements.
  3. Ashley Ruba's journey highlights the importance of exploring career options outside of academia, especially when facing challenges like limited job prospects and the impact of external factors.

Think of your work history as a series of Seinfeld episodes

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
💼 Business Career development Personal Branding Academia Entrepreneurship
  1. Think of your work history as a series of episodes, like a TV show narrative, rather than just a list of achievements.
  2. Authenticity and personal storytelling can be key in building a brand; sharing your personal journey can resonate more with others than just presenting qualifications.
  3. Building a community, promoting others, and showcasing your unique experiences and initiatives can be effective in transitioning from academia to industry and landing opportunities.

Twitter Makes Journalism And Academia Look Terrible

Dilan’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📰 News Journalism Academia Twitter Social media Fact-checking
  1. Twitter can lead to journalists spreading inaccurate information when rushing to provide quick hot takes.
  2. Journalists and academics engaging in Twitter fights with insults and profanity can harm their professional reputation.
  3. Academics on Twitter may misrepresent their expertise, leading to a loss of trust in academic institutions.

Meet the New Book Burners

Unsafe Science • 97 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Authoritarianism Ethics Diversity Free speech
  1. Authoritarianism in academia is rising, leading to concern about the suppression of liberal democracy.
  2. Book burning is not just about literal burning of books, but also includes attempts to censor work deemed harmful.
  3. Prominent academics endorsing book burning practices and authoritarian behaviors pose ironic situations in academic fields.

Some news about The (Im)Posture

On Looking • 139 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Community Career Creativity Visual Culture Academia
  1. The newsletter will continue with an anthropological focus as the author starts a PhD in anthropology at the University of Cambridge, providing insights into research and discussions.
  2. Paying subscribers will have more interactive and experimental content, while the core essays will remain free for everyone.
  3. There will be a hiatus in the newsletter from mid-September to mid-October due to the author's relocation and academic commitments.

41 Years in UX: A Career Retrospective

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 60 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Academia Inventions Startups Web Design
  1. Jakob Nielsen has had a long career in UX since 1983, with a consistent mission of making computers user-friendly.
  2. He transitioned from academia to real-world UX work, influenced by his experiences with different computers and usability.
  3. Key achievements include pioneering discount usability, writing a popular book on web usability, and raising public awareness about UX.

Talking research integrity at Stanford

Science Forever • 19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Integrity Academia Publications Errors
  1. Research integrity issues are systemic, not just due to individual mistakes. Institutions must take responsibility for addressing these problems.
  2. Tools like Proofig help catch errors in papers, emphasizing the importance of correcting mistakes promptly.
  3. Reducing stigma around correcting papers, proactive responses from institutions, and encouraging a culture of self-correction are crucial for improving research integrity.

American Political Science Review Issues "Expression of Concern" Following Karlstack Investigation

Karlstack • 173 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Scandal Corruption Investigation Research
  1. American Political Science Review issued an 'Expression of Concern' following an investigation by Karlstack.
  2. The investigation revealed errors in a published article, including unreliable core findings due to missing data.
  3. The lack of accountability in academia, particularly in the field of Political Science, was highlighted.

Where have the International Math Olympiad Gold Medallists Ended Up? Part Two of Three

Neeloy’s Substack • 2 HN points • 29 Jul 24
🚌 Education Mathematics University Academia Career Paths
  1. Most International Math Olympiad gold medallists choose to study at MIT, as it is the top destination for them. Many also stay in their home countries, especially those from China and Russia.
  2. Around 70% of these medallists go on to pursue a PhD, but the trend is declining as more opt for jobs in tech and finance. Academia remains a popular path but is facing stiff competition.
  3. Google is a major employer of these medal winners in tech, while quant finance firms are increasingly attracting graduates. This shows a shift in career preferences towards finance and tech over traditional academia.

So you want to be a UX researcher?

UX Psychology • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
🕹 Technology UX Research Academia Networking Online presence Learning Resources
  1. Before transitioning to UX research, consider if it aligns with your interests and flexibility needs, as it differs from academic research.
  2. Networking with UX professionals, establishing an online presence, and engaging in enterprise activities can help you break into the industry.
  3. Developing transferrable skills, learning more about UX through various resources, and crafting an industry-focused CV are crucial steps for transitioning from academia to UX research.

S&T: 'A conversation with Sydney Brenner: How academia and publishing are destroying scientific innovation' - Elizabeth Dzeng's 2014 Interview

James W. Phillips' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🔬 Science Academia Publishing
  1. Sydney Brenner and his colleagues made significant contributions to biology, including establishing the genetic code and using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.
  2. Young scientists face challenges in today's academic environment, such as pressure to publish in high-impact journals and the need for funding for risky, innovative research.
  3. There is a growing movement towards open access publishing and a reevaluation of the metrics used to judge research quality in academia.

Being a Professor is a (Product and Reinforcer of) Privilege

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🚌 Education Privilege Meritocracy Academia Inequality
  1. Being a tenure-track professor comes with high occupational prestige, pleasant working conditions, and superior job security, offering a lifestyle privilege.
  2. The requirements for becoming a tenure-line professor create barriers for the majority of the U.S. population, favoring elite backgrounds and credentials from prestigious institutions for academic success.
  3. Current academic evaluation practices, such as journal publications, citations, and grant opportunities, often prioritize institutional prestige and professional connections over genuine scholarly merit, reinforcing privileges within academia.

No Academy for Trad Men

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Political theory
  1. Scruton's successful academic and public career as a conservative thinker prompts reflection on the lack of conservative presence in the academy and the importance of intellectual diversity.
  2. Scruton's work in aesthetics emphasizes the importance of art in evoking emotion and engaging the imagination, connecting individuals to universality and timelessness.
  3. Despite facing ideological challenges and limited institutional support due to his conservative views, Scruton's respectable erudition and distinctive conservatism allowed him to operate successfully in academia, signaling challenges for aspiring conservative intellectuals.

The Human Side of Exclusion in the Name of Diversity...

Critical Mass • 27 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Discrimination Injustice STEM Academia
  1. The personal impact of exclusion in the name of diversity at universities and scientific institutions can be powerful.
  2. Individuals may experience demoralization and setbacks in their career due to discriminatory practices.
  3. Senior and respected scientists should speak out against demoralizing bigotry and discrimination in the field of science.

Why University Matters Beyond Jobs and Skills

Theory Matters • 16 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🚌 Education University Academia Teaching Higher education
  1. Universities are facing financial struggles due to a decline in student numbers, both domestic and international.
  2. There is a shift in the perception of universities, moving away from being seen as places of intellectual exploration to mere stepping stones for jobs.
  3. There is a call for universities to prioritize intellectual experiences over skill-building, avoid becoming 'skills factories,' and uphold honesty and standards.

AI’s Brain Drain

Technically Optimistic • 2 HN points • 03 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI Academia Tech Companies Research Funding Immigration Policy
  1. Tech companies are attracting a significant number of academics, leading to a shortage of educators for the next generation of AI innovators.
  2. Academic researchers are facing challenges accessing resources like compute power and data, which are essential for AI advancements, with many turning to industry partnerships or shifting to tech company jobs.
  3. There is a need for government support to allow academics to focus on fundamental AI research without solely profit-driven motivations, in order to maintain tech leadership, national security, and economic benefits.

Marked Absent

Outlandish Claims • 1 HN point • 10 Jul 24
🚌 Education Academia Schooling Learning Curriculum Study
  1. In language, marking certain traits as different or special allows us to understand norms. This concept of 'markedness' plays a significant role in societal perceptions.
  2. An unmarked system can hide problems or biases. For example, schools being seen as the norm might overlook issues like sexual abuse within them.
  3. Standardized education doesn't always equate to real-life success. Studies show homeschooled children, often considered 'marked,' can perform similarly or better academically.