This book provides practical guidance and strategies for successfully completing a Ph.D. program. It covers a wide range of topics essential for Ph.D. students, including managing relationships with supervisors, mastering research and writing techniques, getting published, presenting at conferences, building credibility, and developing personal productivity habits. The book offers a holistic approach to the Ph.D. journey by combining actionable tips across various aspects of the doctoral process. This book was written with Ph.D. students in STEM fields in mind. However, most of the topics discussed apply to Ph.D. students across all scientific disciplines. Unlike traditional guides that may focus solely on academic writing or research methods, this book integrates advice on personal development, effective communication, and professional networking. It emphasizes the importance of both academic skills and personal growth, providing a well-rounded toolkit for Ph.D. success. The book offers a comprehensive, practical guide that helps Ph.D. students navigate the complexities of their program with confidence and efficiency. A list of pain-points received from Ph.D. students and postdocs referring back to their Ph.D. time is included. Each section responds to one of those points in a concise form and is concluded with actionable takeaway points. By following the 60 sections, readers can enhance their productivity, improve their research and writing skills, effectively manage their academic relationships, and ultimately achieve their doctoral degree with greater ease and success.
Tomasz Liskiewicz is a Professor of Tribology and Surface Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he also serves as Head of the Department of Engineering. With over 25 years of international academic and engineering experience, Tomasz has held positions at leading research institutions in the UK, France, Canada, and Poland. His research focuses on the tribology and surface engineering of functional surfaces, with particular attention to engineering coatings, their architectures, and their optimisation for enhanced performance. Tomasz holds a PhD in Tribology from École Centrale de Lyon in France and an MSc in Materials Science from Lodz University of Technology in Poland. He has extensive practical experience, having spent two years as a Senior Scientist at Charter Coating in Alberta, Canada, where he led material testing projects for the oil and gas industry. In addition to his research, Tomasz has taught undergraduate, MSc, and PhD-level courses in tribology, surface engineering, and fluid dynamics. He has a track record of supervising PhD students, providing them with expert guidance in their academic and research activities, supporting their development into independent researchers. Together with Grzegorz, he developed and delivered a series of workshops aimed at early-career researchers. Tomasz was elected a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2014 and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics in 2019. He is the editor-in-chief of Tribology – Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces, a journal published by Sage, and runs a successful not-for-profit initiative, Surface Ventures, which provides surface engineering webinars for both academics and industry professionals. Additionally, Tomasz serves as Chairman of STEM Racing Poland.
Grzegorz Liskiewicz is a University Professor at Lodz University of Technology and currently he is a Fulbright visiting professor at Texas A&M. His research interests are focused on turbomachinery, industry 4.0, energy, design and safety of centrifugal compressors. He worked at the Texas A&M, Leeds University, Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Strathclyde, and General Electric. Greg graduated his Ph.D. jointly from the University of Strathclyde and Łódź University of Technology with an honorary degree. Greg is alumni of the Top 500 Innovators Poland Program organized by Polish Ministry of Science, the International Visitor Leadership Program organized by the US Department of State and the Leadership Academy for Poland organized by the Centre for Leadership. He worked as the board member of the university tech transfer office, the Rector's proxy for academic entrepreneurship and served as a mentor for startups and young researchers. In addition to his research, Greg has taught undergraduate, MSc, and PhD-level courses in programming, compressor design and writing academic papers. He has a track record of supervising PhD students in Poland and UK, supporting their growth both: professionally and personally to become independent researchers or start successful industrial careers. Together with Tomasz, he developed and delivered a series of workshops aimed at early-career researchers, which he delivered in numerous countries including Poland, UK, Estonia, USA. Grzegorz serves as Vice-Chairman of STEM Racing Poland. In a free time, he reads books and listens to vinyl discs. His favourite way of travelling is by bike, and the favourite sport is ice hockey.
