Defending my PhD thesis in interdisciplinary work (mainly social sciences) in a life sciences college
I am a PhD student in a life sciences college. My PhD project is in collaboration with another research institute specializing in Biomedical ethics and religion. So my PhD work happens to be more of social sciences than life sciences. The thing is I have to defend my PhD thesis in front of the college soon. The audience will be mainly biomedical scientists and students. I am getting the jitters just thinking about this. How do I defend my work in front of such an audience and remove the feeling of inadequacy that I am currently feeling, not to mention the imposter syndrome? Help!!!
1 Answer
You're feeling a bit out of place defending your social sciences-based PhD in a life sciences college, and that's understandable. First, acknowledge that you're not alone - many interdisciplinary researchers face similar challenges. To ease your nerves and showcase your work effectively, focus on the relevance of your research to the life sciences audience. Key considerations: Emphasize how your social sciences work contributes to the broader understanding of biomedical ethics and its implications for life sciences research. Highlight the interdisciplinary nature of your project and how it bridges the gap between social sciences and life sciences. Prepare to discuss how your research can inform decision-making in life sciences, such as policy development, clinical trials, or public engagement. Concrete next steps: Prepare a clear, concise summary of your research, focusing on the key findings and implications for life sciences. Anticipate questions from the audience and practice responding to them. Consider preparing visual aids, such as slides or posters, to help illustrate your points and make your research more accessible to a non-specialist audience. Finally, remember that you're an expert in your field, and your unique perspective is valuable to the life sciences community. One practical warning: Don't try to "talk down" to the life sciences audience or use overly technical jargon that might confuse them. Instead, focus on using clear, simple language to explain complex ideas and concepts. By doing so, you'll show that you're confident in your research and willing to communicate it effectively to a diverse audience.
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