Generative AI can write text, summarise information and generate ideas but can it genuinely help you plan a research project?

The Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2026 (#VitaeCon2026) is being held in Edinburgh on 8–9 September 2026. And, having never visited Dynamic Earth, I'm even more excited to be going again this year.

Struggling to stay productive during your PhD? Learn four evidence-based strategies to improve focus, reduce distractions and protect your attention during doctoral research.

Starting a PhD is exciting, but it can also feel daunting and disorienting. Beginning doctoral research involves far more than simply starting a research project; it means adapting to a new way of working, thinking and managing yourself over a long-term and often uncertain process.

There is a common misconception that transferable skills are only useful for career progression beyond the PhD, particularly outside academia. In reality, these transferable and professional skills are essential to succeeding during the PhD itself and are a core part of effective researcher development.