In case you were wondering whether or not participating in The Pub Club is a waste of your time, here is a blog highlighting the importance and value that our main funding sources are putting on the development of “soft skills.” Everyone pursuing a career in plant science should take the time to read this blog post by Crispin Taylor (Plant Science Today – Insights and perspectives on Plant Science, November 5, 2013) and the associated links.
Unleashing a Decade of Innovation in Plant Science: A Vision for 2015 – 2025. “This document is the product of a two-phase Plant Science Research Summit (see page 34 for more information) held at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in 2011 and 2013, coordinated by the American Society of Plant Biologists, and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U. S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA), and HHMI.”
Just a few quotes to peak your interest:
“If we are lucky, careful, and vigilant, then we will seek out and make the most of opportunities to develop skill sets and connections that will propel us in different directions. Contacts at companies. Well-honed public speaking skills. The capacity to get our thoughts across succinctly and compellingly in writing. And so on.”
“If you are in charge of graduate or postdoctoral training or in a position to influence those that are, then please help them to find ways to incorporate active learning and development of “soft skills” along the way.”
