Life in Academia

Life in Academia is a series of talks focusing on working in academia. The idea is to discuss everything it entails except research and teaching.  Our purpose is to create a space where experiences are shared, lessons are learned, and new perspectives are embraced. 

If you would like to suggest a topic or a speaker please contact the talk host, Vice Head of Department (EDI), Lassi Haaranen (contact info bottom).

The talk series is organized by the Department of Computer Science. 

Upcoming talks:

Stay tuned for spring 2025 talks.

Past talks:

11.11.2024 Minna Huotilainen: Your brain on academic work

Abstract: Recently, neuroscience has been used to understand work wellbeing. How about academic work? This lecture tries to view work in academia through the lenses of brain research.

26.8.2024 Frank Martela: Meaningful work - Strengthening inner motivation at work

Abstract: Where to find motivation as a researcher? People are often attracted to the field based on strong intrinsic interest but in the busy everyday including various tasks one can sometimes lose motivation. In this talk Frank will tell what inner motivation is, why we should invest in it, and how to strengthen it in your own work.

11.4.2024 Sebastian Szyller – Partially Observable Career Choices

Abstract: Most of us go through our careers with a limited view of what the next step or the alternatives are truly like. Am I learning the right thing? Is my company the same as others? Is my PhD representative of other PhDs? In this talk, I am going to share my thoughts on the challenges related to making career choices in the face of imperfect information.

13.3.2024 Jaakko Lehtinen: Research careers are built on communication

Abstract: Communications skills, both written and oral, largely determine your success in research. In this talk I'll try to shed light on the many mechanisms through which this happens, and why it matters to always strive to be better at it.