Ali Divan, Ph.D.’s Post

Industrial transition is a current concern in academia, probably a major reason of the not-so-talked-about postdoc crunch in many labs. The perks are higher of course, and with the limits of biologics being pushed far and far up by automation, high-throughputs and AI, getting a satisfying job is becoming easier than getting tenure. But what does academia need to do for rejuvenating its impact? In a recent (well, a month old, honestly) encounter with Josh McGinnis for a Sci-Comm lecture at the University of Oregon, we talked about the emerging importance of promoting DIY biologists on different platforms that could make hard-boiled research a more accessible format of appreciating science and its nuances. The event was a brainchild of the Alliance for Diversity in Science and Engineering (UO Chapter) and jointly organized by The Centre for Science Communication Research (UO). Josh's venture, EverymanBio, is already a known name in the circuit and surely a successful one. But more than being an individual success story, this is also an example of an alternate approach to academic pursuit for exploring natural wonders. They need the best training to do science, not the best certification. And once their endeavor is in motion, academia can lend its reviewing platform to validate the findings, and a good research can fetch good funding through many options! Grants are limited, discoveries ain't. If we could tap on this potential resource, decentralize research opportunities, encourage self-trained scientists as any other scientist, may be transitions would stop being a concern and just be a constant.

As the Vice President-elect of my department (Biochemistry) and as a laboratory scientist with a versed experience in life sciences, research and data analysis, during my manifesto, I promise to organize hands-on experiences, workshops, and seminars because I believe fostering practical skills and knowledge acquisition is crucial for a holistic understanding of our field. By providing these immersive learning opportunities, every individual will be empowered to excel in their scientific endeavors, it will also pave the way for future generation of skilled and adept researchers. Certainly, no company or institution would prefer to hire a liability, and our theoretical expertise alone may not fully pave the way. Therefore, I propose that organizing one or two workshops would greatly enhance our practical skill set. I am firmly convinced that through interactive sessions and collaborative engagement, we can build a vibrant and thriving scientific community dedicated to making impactful contributions to our discipline and beyond. #Biochemistry #workshops #science #research #selfdevelopment #NSBS

🧬🎨 Mastering the Art of Science: Balancing Biotechnology Studies with Creative Exploration 💡🔬 🔬 Balancing the Microscope and the Paintbrush 🎨 - Tips for Biotech Students! As a biotechnology student, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between your rigorous studies and your creative pursuits. 🧬✏️ Here are some tips to keep the creativity flowing while excelling in your studies: 1. 📚 Schedule Wisely: Allocate specific times for studies and creative activities. This helps in maintaining focus and reducing burnout. 2. 🧪 Experiment Creatively: Apply your artistic skills in your biotech projects. It could be as simple as creatively presenting your research findings. 3. 🌱 Nature’s Inspiration: Take inspiration from nature for both your scientific and creative work. The natural world is full of patterns and designs that fuel both realms. 4. 🤝 Collaborate: Work with peers from creative fields. This can lead to innovative ideas and projects that blend science with art. 5. 💡 Stay Curious: Always keep your curiosity alive. Whether it's a new scientific theory or an art technique, be open to learning. Let's bridge the gap between science and creativity! How do you balance your studies and creative passions? Share your thoughts! #BiotechCreativity #StudentLife #ScienceMeetsArt

In the dynamic landscape of scientific innovation, staying ahead requires continuous growth and adaptation. For chemists, upskilling isn't just a choice – it's a pivotal strategy to excel and make meaningful contributions. As new technologies redefine traditional paradigms, honing our skills ensures we remain at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries. From mastering advanced analytical techniques to embracing computational chemistry, upskilling equips us with the tools to tackle complex challenges head-on. Embracing this journey isn't just about personal development; it's about amplifying our collective impact on industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials science. So, let's embrace the transformative power of upskilling, propelling our profession to unprecedented heights and shaping a brighter scientific future together. 💡🌟 #chemistry #innovation #upskilling #scientificexcellence

Very interesting analysis that would only be possible once you have a lot of experimental data to examine. It reminds us that error in experimental results can arise from a variety of sources, but is often difficult/impossible to accurately quantify without a huge amount of aggregate data (which we rarely have).

🎉 Exciting news! 🎓 I'm thrilled to share that I've successfully completed the "Industrial Biotechnology" course from the prestigious University of Manchester on Coursera! 🌟 Despite life's busy schedule, I dedicated time to enhance my knowledge in this cutting-edge field, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding. 💼 🔬 Throughout the course, I delved into the fascinating world of industrial biotechnology, exploring topics such as microbial genetics, fermentation processes, bioreactor design, and bioinformatics. 💡 The hands-on assignments and insightful lectures provided by experts in the field have broadened my understanding and equipped me with practical skills that I can apply in real-world scenarios. 🌐 🌱 Armed with this newfound knowledge, I'm eager to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of biotechnology, driving innovation, sustainability, and positive change. 💪 Let's continue to harness the power of biotechnology to address global challenges and create a brighter future for generations to come. 🌍 #IndustrialBiotechnology #ManchesterUniversity #Coursera #Biotech #Bioinformatics #Sustainability #Innovation #LifelongLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureReady

The 'publish or perish' mentality is often seen as vital for life sciences careers. But I believe over-focus on publications can stifle true innovation. Here's my take... The Problem : I've seen brilliant researchers chase incremental studies to boost publication count, instead of risking time on the truly groundbreaking questions that could change lives. The pressure to constantly publish forces us to slice big ideas into publishable fragments, losing the potential of the whole. Worse, it can discourage pursuing those discoveries that might be better protected by patents. The Costs : When publication metrics become the primary goal, we risk rewarding quantity over impact. We miss the chance to nurture those 'out of the box' ideas that might not result in an immediate paper, but could lead to revolutionary patents and real-world applications. It breeds a culture of fear, where taking intellectual risks, pursuing long-term projects, and truly disruptive innovation feels too dangerous. A Vision of Something Better: Imagine if we valued intellectual property development as much as celebrated publications. What if we rewarded the pursuit of bold questions, even if they take years to answer and result in groundbreaking patents? True innovation thrives in a space where deep exploration, strategic patent protection, and collaboration are prioritized, not just the race for the next journal acceptance. Call to Action: We need a shift in how we measure success in life sciences. It's time to discuss alternatives that honor groundbreaking publications AND the long, messy process of true innovation, often resulting in life-changing patents. Let's build a scientific culture where the courage to explore big questions is celebrated just as much as the paper that finally unveils an answer or the patent that changes the world. #lifesciences #innovation #research #patents

🎓 Excited to share that I've successfully completed the "Industrial Biotechnology" course offered by Delft University of Technology on the edX platform! 🌱🧪 This comprehensive course provided me with valuable insights into the fascinating world of industrial biotechnology. From understanding bio-based production methods to exploring cutting-edge applications to Fermentation insights on Black box model, Transfer reaction, Process reaction,etc. , I've gained a deeper appreciation for how biotechnology is transforming various industries. 📚 Throughout the course, I had the privilege of learning from distinguished professors and industry experts who shared their knowledge and real-world experiences. The interactive learning materials, engaging assignments, and thought-provoking discussions truly enhanced my learning journey. 🌍 One of the highlights of this course was its global perspective, as it showcased how industrial biotechnology is making a positive impact on sustainability, resource utilization, and innovation across the globe. It's inspiring to see how biotechnology is driving positive change in various sectors, from healthcare to environmental conservation. 🤝 I'd like to express my gratitude to Delft University of Technology for designing such a well-structured and insightful course. The content was presented in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. #IndustrialBiotechnology #edX #LifelongLearning #Biotechnology #DelftUniversityOfTechnology #FermentationInsights

🌐 In the past, education often followed a straight path, leading to specialized skills in a particular field. It was believed that the more specialized you became, the greater your economic value. Think of doctors, honing their expertise in specific medical realms and reaping the rewards. 🔮 But hold onto your textbooks, because times are changing! As we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a fresh educational paradigm is unfolding. Meet the "T-shaped" individual – someone who dives deep into their chosen field, while also embracing the horizons of other disciplines. 🎨🚀 💡 Imagine a computer scientist who understands the beauty of art, or an engineer with a knack for understanding psychology. This dynamic duo of expertise and cross-disciplinary knowledge is the key to unlocking innovation and limitless possibilities. 🔗 The Fourth Industrial Revolution calls for a blend of skills that intertwine, creating a web of knowledge that enriches each specialized field. It's like adding a splash of creativity to science or a pinch of business acumen to technology – a recipe for a brighter, more interconnected future! To find out more, read the full article by Munozovepi Gwata the founder of Kukura Capital. https://lnkd.in/emh3NuG

Event Alert: Webinar for UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses. Thursday 18th January at 5pm. Registration is now open. Link in bio. Find out more and ask questions about our courses in ... - Biotechnology, Biomedical, Pharmaceutical & Chemical Sciences - Geoscience, Energy, Natural Resources, Climate, Environment & Sustainability - Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Finance & Data Analytics - Physics, Space Science, Nanotechnology, Biological & Medical Physics - Computer Science & Data Science