In a recent Nature article about a study of 3,700 doctoral candidates, 14 PhD students reflected on how their supervisors supported them throughout their studies. The survey asked doctoral candidates to respond to the question “what is the best thing your supervisor has done for you during your studies?” Students reported several meaningful moments that impacted their experiences, such as when their supervisors listened to their concerns, accommodated needs related to their health and wellbeing, and protected them from external pressures. Others shared more significant moments such as being supported through a gender transition, being offered funding for their research, and getting help with settling in a new country. The author notes that these moments highlight how supervisors can profoundly impact students’ academic trajectories.
