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Now that we have all seen some light at the end of the tunnel, how do we approach 2021 as PIs? Some thoughts on the next 6-9 months
1. Everyone is tired and weary; mentally, physically and emotionally. Whether from delays/shutdowns relating to lab/clinical research, home schooling/child-care challenges, a F&^|G pandemic->its been exhausting for everyone.
2. Everyone needs to rest and recharge, and no one (should be) going anywhere for a vacation. Don't underestimate the impact of that on our collective psyche
3. No one is going to be doing academic travel for at least another 6 months, meaning no in person connections with dear friends, colleagues, and collaborators. My bet is fall 2021 is the slow ramp up of academic travel
4) So what do we do? My plans/thoughts
5) Painful as Zoom-a-thons are->keep/initiate joint zoom lab meetings (email me if u want to do one with us), collaborative discussions, evening zoom drinks/coffee/dessert with friends from science and non-science.
6) Set an example for your lab and take time off over the holidays, and tell us all what you did during your staycation! I have Netflix (Cobra Kai with the kids, Mandalorian), some long runs, and walks outside in NYC (and maybe in parks in NY area) planned!
7) Make scientific, profession and personal plans for you and for the lab in 2021. Make sure all are involved in the process
8) Get something for everyone in your lab as a holiday gift (we are doing lab swag, on order!), plan a lab zoom happy hour/seamless shared wings/pizza party, do some holiday oriented fun stuff!
9) When your number is up->get vaccinated.
10) Find 2 colleagues in your field you have never collaborated with and who you admire->initiate a meeting and tell them why you think their work is cool and one way you could collaborate!
11) Change one thing in how your office/home set up is arranged->monitor placement/new monitor, chair cushion, new microphone. Just to keep it fresh!
12) Find one new way to give back your expertise->give a lecture to HS students, write a tutorial on how to do the killer experiment in your lab, nominate people for awards who have long deserved recognition. or do a bunch of things like this!
13) Find one new scientific question to address in 2021 and sketch out with your lab how to do it->and then do it!
14) Do a lab logo contest, or name a lab mascot, or something else to give your group new character.
15) Order lunch/take-out from one new place every 2 weeks in your neighborhood
Add your ideas! just some of mine....
