EVENT MATERIALS
Biolog Session 09 | Choosing the Right PhD Lab — Europe Edition
Biolog is a small-group discussion series for members of the Biolà community, typically bringing together 6–8 participants for informal and open conversations.
In addition to scientific topics, Biolog also creates space to discuss the uncertainties, challenges, and decisions that come with academic life. Each session is shaped around questions that matter to the community, with the goal of learning from one another through honest conversation.
Session 09 | Choosing the Right PhD Lab — Europe Edition
How to Find a Lab That’s Right for You
Choosing a PhD advisor is one of the most important decisions during the early stages of graduate school.
After completing several lab rotations, students often come away with very different impressions of each research environment. Once a lab and advisor are chosen, however, that decision may shape the next five or six years of research life—from day-to-day mentorship and lab culture to scientific development and future career opportunities.
But how do you make such an important decision with only limited information?
This session aims to create an open space for participants to share their experiences, concerns, and questions about choosing a PhD lab and mentor.
If you are a new PhD student currently navigating rotations and feeling uncertain about where to join, we welcome you to bring your questions and perspectives.
If you have already gone through this process, we would especially value your reflections and advice for students who are making this decision now.
Discussion Topics
This session will focus on questions including:
1. What matters most during a PhD?
2. How can you tell whether a lab is truly a good fit for you?
3. As your needs change throughout different stages of the PhD, can your advisor continue to provide the mentorship and support you need?
Other questions and experiences are also very welcome.
Why a Europe Edition?
We learned that the timing of Biolog Session 08 was not especially convenient for participants in European time zones.
To make the discussion more accessible, we are organizing a second session on the same topic specifically for participants based in Europe.
Date & Time
February 23 (Sunday)
- London Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
- Eastern Time (US): 10:00–11:00 AM
Moderator
Jingjie Li
UCL Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
Fourth-year PhD student, expected to graduate this year
Format
Online via Zoom
This will be an informal roundtable discussion rather than a formal presentation. Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences, questions, and perspectives throughout the session.
How to Participate
Scan the QR code below to complete the registration form.
After successful registration, meeting information will be sent by email.
We look forward to having you join the conversation!
This page is based on the event record provided by the Biolà team.