Research roadblocks – and overcoming them

Posted by Monisha Natchiar

8 October 2024

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Speaker: Prof. Peter Ashwin

Abstract

As a researcher, we routinely take on problems that we will not be able to solve. Too little progress can become demoralizing and defeating. On the other hand, maybe we are just lacking a skill or knowledge that will enable us to easily solve the problem. How can we tell the difference? How long should one battle against a problem? Can we find a way around to solve a related but different problem? How can we identify and develop the skills that we are lacking? Are we just diverting ourselves by putting off doing something (e.g. studying, talking to someone) that may really help but is out of our comfort zone? In this session we will discuss some common roadblocks to research progress and some practical ideas to overcome them.