We explore research, social impact and career paths.
Science changes our lives. It helps us understand the world better and make it a better place. In our latest podcast, we talk about early-career researchers: their research, significance of their work, and advice for those at the beginning of their careers.
Agata Starosta, Aneta Pieczka and Maciej Stolarski are joining our podcast host, Anna Korzekwa-Józefowicz.
Dr hab. Agata Starosta, a molecular biologist, is a professor at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She studies bacteria and antibiotic resistance. She is actively involved in efforts to change science policy and increase NCN funding (#NCNtotlen).
Dr Aneta Pieczka works at the Kozminski University in Warsaw, where she studies digital workplaces and impact on digital technologies on the working conditions. She is engaged in the CHANSE project HuLog: Humans in Digital Logistics, and has participated in the Europe and Mobilities conference, with the NCN as one of its partners.
Professor Maciej Stolarski from the University of Warsaw studies the psychology of time. He is a winner of this year’s NCN Award for mental time travel, an ability that shapes our emotions, relations and ability to plan the future.
Science that changes the world
Research helps us understand the world around us and impact our everyday lives
‘We are now at a stage where technological progress has somewhat outpaced social progress. We observe a range of tools we use at work, algorithms, artificial intelligence, which we hear so much about today, and we implement it enthusiastically. Therefore, I think it is worth asking the question – and we as social researchers do ask this question – what impact does it have on employees, on people, on the whole of society?’ Aneta Pieczka
‘I study bacteria, i.e. microorganisms that cause diseases. Currently, there is antibiotic resistance. It is actually at a pandemic scale now. Our research helps to find loopholes in the functioning of bacteria, which later serve as a source for designing new antibiotics.’ Agata Starosta
‘I am dealing with a psychological phenomenon which, according to many researchers comparing humans to other species of living beings, is something that is the last bastion of what is uniquely human: an ability to perform mental time travel. Thanks to this, we can plan, predict, delay gratification and engage in self-reflection. In a world driven by quick impulses and fleeting emotions, this ability is crucial. It helps to develop a more reflective, mature society that acts purposefully. This is the most important topic for me, also as a psychologist who studies phenomena such as hope, gratitude, and psychological resilience.’ Maciej Stolarski
How do researchers work
Experiences and tips for younger researchers
‘The role of a mentor is extremely important to me, because it somewhat depends on my mentor, or boss, or supervisor, where I will go next. Of course, it also largely depends on me, but here the guidance is also extremely important, so my way of learning is through the experience of being with others, observing others.’ Aneta Pieczka
‘I generally try to help younger colleagues with writing grants, discuss ideas and structure of their applications. I must admit that so far, all the people I have helped have received a grant. What I also try to do is to ensure that members of my team have some visibility in the community. For example, when I receive an invitation to give a lecture, I often ask the person who was the first author to replace me. When it comes a failure, it is just part of this job. Sometimes your grant proposal does not get approved or the review is tough, but there is no point in dwelling on it. I feel bad for a day or two and then move forward. There was a time when our paper was rejected, so we wrote to the editor and explained our arguments. Ultimately, the decision was reversed. It pays to fight for what you believe is right.’ Agata Starosta
‘None of my grant proposals have ever been accepted on the first try. I explain to my PhD students that rejected grant proposals do not define their value as researchers. It not a failure bur a message that it’s just not the right moment yet. In psychology, there is a term ‘developmental mindset’, where difficulties are regarded as part of a longer process, not the end of it. If you learn a lesson from your review, it will truly make a difference for you.’ Maciej Stolarski
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