Keeping up with the latest scientific breakthroughs can be a challenge, especially when you’re balancing studies, social life, and everything else. But if you’re a student interested in science, staying updated is essential. You need to be informed of new developments, keep your expertise updated, and get new inspiration for research. Below are five tips for staying informed on the latest scientific discoveries as a student.
1. Follow Reputable Science News Websites
One of the best ways to be updated on new scientific discoveries is by visiting science news sites regularly. Pages such as Nature, ScienceDaily, and New Scientist offer you the most up-to-date information on any given science. These sites offer everything from space research to healthcare news, so you can always find something interesting. Add some trustworthy science news sites to your bookmarks and check them every day or weekly. Subscribe to alerts or newsletters to receive the most current headlines in your inbox. That way, you will stay up-to-date even on the most stressful of study days.
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2. Subscribe to Academic Journals
For more in-depth updates on new research, it’s a good idea to subscribe to academic journals. Journals generally offer student discounts, or your university may provide free access. Read popular journals such as Nature, The Lancet, or Cell. Some articles might be too advanced for you, but they have in-depth coverage of scientific advances that you will not hear on mainstream news.
Here’s how to make the most out of your journal subscriptions:
- Get emails on new publications related to your niche.
- Lock interesting articles for when you have the time.
- Get involved in student discussion groups on recent research.
- Keep tabs on important articles with citation management platforms such as Zotero.
- Try to read abstracts first to see if it’s something that interests you.
3. Follow Scientists and Researchers on Social Media
Memes and selfies aside, social media can help you keep up with scientific breakthroughs. Plenty of scientists and researchers post updates on their progress in new projects and share insights about their work on Twitter and LinkedIn. Following experts in your niche can be a way of identifying the latest news and trends. You can follow celebrity scientists or university research departments and engage with them. Ask questions, comment, or just catch up with the conversations they have online.
4. Attend Science Webinars and Online Lectures
Webinars and online lectures are wonderful ways to keep up to date with new scientific discoveries. There are lots of free or cheap online events hosted by universities, research institutions, and companies. If you go to these meetings, you can get firsthand information from experts in many scientific disciplines. As a student, you may also have guest lectures at your university. Even if the discussed subject is not your major, these talks can expose you to some new fields of science and help you widen your perspective.
5. Join Student Science Clubs or Societies
Joining a science club or society at your university will also make it much more fun to stay informed about new scientific discoveries. Such communities hold lectures, have guest speakers, and travel to science fairs and museums. It is a great way to meet students with science interests like yourself and learn from one another. Science clubs also offer leadership roles, like running events or leading study groups, which can boost your CV.
Stay Curious and Informed
As you can see, staying up to date with scientific discoveries doesn’t need to be hard. If you subscribe to trusted news outlets, read papers, use social media, and participate in webinars and science clubs, you can keep up with the latest news and make science a regular part of your life. So, pick a technique or two that works for you and enter the fun science world!
