There are many academic and professional development programs and resources for all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on the Homewood Campus.
Responsible Conduct of Research
Researchers at all levels of their career spend time and effort on two aspects of responsible conduct of research. First, researchers are concerned that their behavior is always characterized by others as ethical. In the area of ethical research, many components are very straightforward and “black and white”, such as behavior that is scientific misconduct (research fraud). However, many aspects of ethical research behavior are more nuanced or “grey”, such as how many different statistical approaches does one use to analyze data. Second, researchers must remain up-to-date about the various regulations that apply to their research. These research regulations cover research using humans, animals, recombinant DNA, and radioactivity, to just name a few.
Perhaps the most effective way to learn about responsible conduct of research is as part of a research group, with the research mentor articulating what is ethical behavior and what is the appropriate way to deal with regulation. The behavior of the research mentor, in addition to his/her articulating various aspects of responsible conduct of research, is an important aspect of mentorship. Another way to learn about responsible conduct of research is to periodically take a formal course on the topic. This course, taught by Dr. Janice Evans, combines didactic material and extensive discussion of case studies to effectively teach researchers during the first years of their work.
The curriculum is based on the principles given by the U.S. Federal Office of Research Integrity and includes approaches by researchers throughout the world. Specific topics covered include scientific misconduct, conflict of interest, mentorship, academic integrity, data management practices, publication practices, and human and animal subjects research regulations. These topics are discussed from the point of view of researchers in laboratory-based, qualitative, and quantitative disciplines.
During the academic year, the Homewood schools offer this week-long (10-hour) discussion-based course in Responsible Conduct of Research. The course is free of charge and for credit (Pass/Fail). Anyone wishing to register must do so in person with the Graduate Registrar. The course number is AS.360.625. The course is typically offered during winter intersession, then once during the fall and late spring.
Policy for the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences
Policy for the Whiting School of Engineering
For location and program details, please visit SIS Course Listings.
Writing Support
Graduate students in the Homewood schools have access to the Center for Leadership in Education’s (CLE) Research Writing course offered at various times of the year. Because space is limited, it is recommended that students sign up early. There is no fee for taking the course.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers all Johns Hopkins undergraduate and graduate students in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering free, individual conferences with experienced tutors trained especially to consult on writing assignments in the humanities and social sciences, though they may also be of use to students working in other disciplines.
Professional Development Day (Annual)
Each academic year, a day is set aside for the professional development of our advanced graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Topics encompass career development, how to secure funding, dissertation completion strategies, choosing a postdoctoral position, finding a position in academia vs. industry, different professional environments, job application and interviewing tips, finishing the Ph.D., a panel of alumni and other professionals, publishing/funding (social sciences/humanities), grant writing (sciences and engineering), and much more.
Life Design Lab at Homewood
The Homewood Campus has a Life Design Lab which has, among other things, a ‘Writing your CV’ workshop, an ‘Academic Job Search for Graduate Students’ workshop, workshops on career opportunities outside academia, individual consultation, and on-campus recruiting.
JHMI Professional Development Office
The East Baltimore Campus has a Professional Development Office with resources such as career panels and speakers, online ‘Tools for the Upwardly Mobile Scientist’ and guidelines for CVs, letters, networking, and interviewing, individual consultation, and ongoing visits by industry representatives such as McKinsey & Company, Merck, Novartis, and others.