P212121

Graduate students need 10 while postdocs should have at least 25 papers.

But what about the impact of the papers? … good point (thanks).

So actually, you really only need one if it’s in Nature or Science.

However, the better questions is:

What gets you excited to come into the lab every day? Is it hearing you need 10 publications? or perhaps it is trying to answer an interesting question… finding the answer to that question is far more important.

Related Posts:

• A Roundtable Discussion on the Work of Max Perutz
• This Advice
• Fun Stats on Protein Crystallization Screens
• Top 200 Pharmaceutical Products by Worldwide Sales
• Big Crystals

3 Awesome Insights so far | Have Your Say!

1. 

   Billy
   August 4th, 2010 at 8:13 AM #

   10? Which country is this?

2. 

   carl
   August 4th, 2010 at 11:47 AM #

   that’s ridiculous….i’ve never heard ten. from my experience it’s at least a couple and it completely depends on your committee. scientific satisfaction is long term and i found out early on that i need to have something outside of the lab to fulfill my need to feel like i’m moving forward in life. my hobbies of flying and photography have always been great therapy.

3. 

   Sean
   August 4th, 2010 at 12:03 PM #

   Hi Carl,

   My point exactly… 10 is ridiculous so perhaps people should stop focusing on some magic publication number and enjoy the process such as having cool hobbies like yourself.