The hottest Academia Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Why History's "Alone" reminds me of graduate school

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Academia
  1. Survival shows like 'Alone' and the academic world of graduate school both promote a self-reliant mentality, but this mindset can be isolating and self-defeating in real life.
  2. Growing up close to nature can instill a deep connection with the environment, but nostalgia for a primitive past can sometimes cloud the reality of the present.
  3. The use of technology in survival scenarios, like on 'Alone', can be contradictory and may not accurately reflect historical survival methods. Invention often arises from abundance, not scarcity.

When To Get a GMU Econ Ph.D.

Bet On It • 493 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Know your career goal before pursuing a Ph.D.
  2. Consider going for a Ph.D. over a master's degree for better opportunities.
  3. Be willing to endure short-term challenges for long-term career success.

Academic Apocalypse?

Unsafe Science • 146 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔬 Science Academia
  1. The NIH is cutting grant overhead from 50% or more down to 15%, which could deeply impact research funding. This change has caused a lot of concern among scientists about how it might hurt innovation in the U.S.
  2. Many academics fear that these cuts to indirect costs are a threat to vital research programs. Since a lot of university funding relies on these indirect costs, losing them could lead to fewer jobs and less support for important studies.
  3. Despite the worries, there is a possibility that reducing indirect costs could free up more money for actual research projects. This change could lead to a rethinking of spending priorities, focusing more on direct scientific work.

Tenure Is a Total Scam

Bet On It • 644 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Getting tenure involves a complex process of academic achievements and connections.
  2. Tenured professors have minimal job responsibilities and are difficult to fire.
  3. The tenure system in academia may be sustained by perverse incentives and weak selection pressure.
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A retracted paper tells us something important about academia

The Path Not Taken • 418 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🚌 Education Academia
  1. A retracted paper revealed resistance in academia to the idea of certain subjects or institutions having more merit than others, especially regarding external hierarchies.
  2. In academia, there appears to be a growing trend of reluctance towards acknowledging external hierarchies, potentially leading to declining standards and subjects being vulnerable to market pressures.
  3. Editorial actions and societal trends reflect a shift towards more egalitarian philosophies in academia, raising concerns about defending academic standards and traditional disciplines against cost-cutting measures.

Diversity is the Inverse of University

Unsafe Science • 54 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Many believe that top universities are losing their academic rigor and standards because of diversity and inclusion policies. This shift makes it hard to compare these schools to their former prestigious selves.
  2. Academic freedom is declining in British universities, with hiring practices focusing more on ideological beliefs than on qualification. This approach can limit the types of research conducted and ideas allowed.
  3. There is a call for reform to restore the integrity of higher education by emphasizing academic merit and freedom. Some political movements in the UK are pushing back against current trends to bring about change.

The RCT Agenda

Bet On It • 352 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🚌 Education Academia
  1. The book highlights how the randomistas in economics might have a political agenda of serving government rather than challenging it, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  2. Many economists focus on RCTs to measure causal effects of variables, emphasizing laboratory, field, and natural experiments in research, with randomization as the core of experimentation.
  3. Randomistas often avoid engaging in the debate of free markets vs. government, favoring government-centered policies in their research strategies, leading to limited exploration of free-market economics.

Cancel Culture Questions, Part 1

Dreams in the Which House • 98 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Academia
  1. Cancel culture cases aren't just about celebrities, but also impact many less known individuals
  2. The fear of self-censorship due to cancel culture is not well-supported, especially as it often stems from prominent figures and lacks widespread factual basis
  3. Criticism of cancel culture narratives should involve more thorough fact-checking and not rely solely on anecdotes for evidence

Why faculty of color are leaving academe

The Recovering Academic • 98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Many faculty of color in academe feel disenfranchised, exhausted, and isolated due to issues like work/life balance and inadequate compensation.
  2. These scholars experience unique challenges like isolation in rural communities, hostile work environments, and guilt over prioritizing self-care over student needs.
  3. There is a growing trend of faculty of color reevaluating their place in academia and questioning the sacrifices required, suggesting a need for change.

Trump, Science, and Academia

Unsafe Science • 116 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. RFK Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy, even if he has a strong background in environmental law.
  2. Trump's approach to academia, including the emphasis on reducing DEI programs and fighting anti-Semitism, aims to shift the focus back to equal treatment in federal funding and policy, potentially impacting diversity efforts in education.
  3. The pause in federal grants and the disappearing of some scientific data have caused concern about access to information and funding in academia, highlighting the ongoing battle over scientific governance.

Ideology-Based Investigations, Myths, and Blind Spots in Academia and Society

Heterodox STEM • 163 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. Ideology-Based Investigations (IBIs) are studies that lack scientific rigor and often rely on philosophical beliefs instead. These can create a false sense of credibility, leading to flawed conclusions.
  2. The oppressor-oppressed binary is a concept widely used in academia that can skew research and findings. This way of thinking has influenced many institutions and projects, often prioritizing ideology over factual analysis.
  3. Many thinkers and writers may criticize authoritarianism but fail to see the biases and pitfalls within their own ideological views. It's important for everyone to recognize these blind spots to promote a more truthful and open society.

Links to Consider

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. Unsolicited advice can create resentment if not asked for.
  2. Articles are graded on engagement with opposing viewpoints.
  3. University presidents may face increased accountability and scrutiny in light of recent events.

Fired by Pfizer: Former Harvard prof reveals he was dismissed from CDC committee for promoting a non-mRNA vaccine

The Dossier • 290 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Academia
  1. Martin Kulldorff was fired from the CDC committee for promoting a non-mRNA vaccine and disagreeing with the decision to pause the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine.
  2. Kulldorff's experience highlights the powerful influence of the Pharma-Government Health system in America.
  3. Kulldorff's stance against vaccine mandates and his opposition to Pharma influence showcases his courage and bravery in the scientific community.

The Optimistic Bulldog

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Academia
  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.

Some notes about cybersecurity ethics

Cybersect • 78 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Academia
  1. Ethics discussions often derail into politics and self-serving arguments.
  2. Professional ethics are about setting good examples, not academic philosophy.
  3. When violating ethics, it should be for a significant cause worth the consequences.

My Interview with Renaud Beauchard and Pascal Clérotte at French Invaders

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 113 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. The conversation touched on various important topics, including German politics and the recent electoral trends in the U.S.
  2. Moving to East Germany is seen as an opportunity to be at the center of significant political changes.
  3. Restoring an old house is a big project that brings excitement, especially about having a real kitchen soon.

How STEM is Sleepwalking into Wokery

Heterodox STEM • 270 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education Academia
  1. STEM education is facing challenges with the introduction of ideologies like 'Indigenous science', leading to a shift in traditional approaches.
  2. University environments are becoming increasingly focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which can sometimes lead to conflict with academic freedom and rational discourse.
  3. There is a concern among some STEM professors about the impact of ideological pressures on teaching quality, mental health, and innovation within academic environments.

65 Years “Two Cultures” – Time for a Celebration?

Heterodox STEM • 92 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Academia
  1. There's a divide between the humanities and STEM fields, which can lead to a lack of understanding and cooperation. This split has been growing over the years and is sometimes seen as a 'culture war.'
  2. Non-knowledgeable behaviors, like group think and over-emphasizing feelings, are affecting how knowledge is developed and shared. It's important to stick to processes that encourage truth and understanding.
  3. In academia, different cognitive traits can be found in STEM compared to the humanities. Recognizing these differences might help us understand the ongoing issues in knowledge creation and communication.

auditing academia

bad cattitude • 254 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Bill Ackman is calling for auditing academia due to questionable publications.
  2. Academic publications reveal widespread issues beyond just plagiarism.
  3. The content of academic papers may shock readers with its poor quality and ideological focus.

The crisis of scholar-activism

The Path Not Taken • 264 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Scholar-activism has faced a crisis lately, especially concerning left-wing positions like support for Palestine.
  2. There is tension between the original ideal of activism and its progression into institutionalized careerism.
  3. The future of scholar-activism is uncertain, with some scholar-activists falling silent and facing challenges in balancing their activism with their academic careers.

The great conexit from public life

Wrong Side of History • 460 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. Declining status of academics contributes to leftward drift of institutions.
  2. Conservatives are more apolitical and less likely to engage in activism compared to progressives.
  3. Pressure from social norms and laws can lead individuals to publicly adopt liberal or progressive beliefs regardless of personal convictions.

What Rodeo can Teach Academia

Unsafe Science • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Academia should encourage taking intellectual risks instead of being overly cautious. It's important for students to be bold in their ideas and learning.
  2. The responsibility to avoid harm should fall on individuals rather than institutions. Everyone should take personal accountability for their actions in academic settings.
  3. Adopting a rodeo mentality could improve the learning atmosphere in academia. This mindset helps foster resilience and creativity among students.

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

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Academia
  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 Academia
  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.

Unbundling the University, Part 2

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Universities hold a lot of power over research, making it hard for new technologies to develop outside of these institutions. This limits the ability to change how research works.
  2. Most funding for research goes through universities, which creates barriers for people and organizations trying to do innovative work. It makes it tough to get money unless you're linked to an academic institution.
  3. Academic rules shape how research is done and valued. The focus on novelty can lead to creating interesting ideas that may not always be useful, which isn't helpful for advancements in technology.

Twitter Makes Journalism And Academia Look Terrible

Dilan’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📰 News Academia
  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.

The state of The Path Not Taken

The Path Not Taken • 220 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📰 News Academia
  1. The author has gained over 1,200 subscribers from 58 countries for their Substack on politics and academics.
  2. In 2023, the author focused on topics like low liberalism, freedom of speech, and reviewed books on academia.
  3. The author plans to continue writing about politics with a focus on institutional theory in 2024 and asks for recommendations to help grow their Substack.

Some news about The (Im)Posture

On Looking • 139 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration 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.

Update to "Jews don't Count......Or Do They?"

Fisted by Foucault • 223 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. The fight between US universities and its donor class over free speech on campus is intensifying.
  2. The battle includes issues of ideological capture, free speech limitations, and the role of the donor class in academia.
  3. The conflict also reveals concerns about DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and the potential impact on different groups within universities.

Talking research integrity at Stanford

Science Forever • 19 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Academia
  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.

The staging of Woke Cancer

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🚌 Education Academia
  1. Woke cancer mirrors the progression of physical cancer stages.
  2. Woke cancer spreads through academia by infiltrating departments and administration.
  3. Different treatment options are discussed, from non-invasive methods to aggressive measures like cutting DEI programs.

How to Take Back Academia

Heterodox STEM • 277 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🚌 Education Academia
  1. It's important to understand and challenge wokism in academia.
  2. Efforts should focus on promoting knowledge of race differences, changing the decision makers on campus, and leveraging political power.
  3. Taking radical action, implementing specific strategies, and not giving up are crucial to reclaim universities from wokism.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia
  1. Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
  2. Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
  3. A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

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

Neeloy’s Substack • 2 HN points • 29 Jul 24
🚌 Education Academia
  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.