Column in 2012

The three Nordic winners of this year's Nature mentoring awards respond exceptionally to scientific and personal challenges, says Philip Campbell.

Two 'toxic' management models treat trainees poorly and leave labs at risk of misconduct, says Charles Wood.

An early stab at leadership can help a young scientist to imagine heading a group, argues Katharina Genreith.

Interdisciplinary mentorship must evolve to keep pace with innovative programmes, argues Katherine Mackey.

The right administrative system can ease the job search for dual-career couples, argues Mary Anne Holmes.

Mentors should understand what causes misconduct among trainees — and keep in mind some possible remedies, argues William Neaves.

Science holds few definitive answers for those worried about radiation exposure, says Geoff Brumfiel.

A passion for science is admirable, but can have unwanted outcomes, argues Mariano A. Loza-Coll.

Graduate students and postdocs are often best placed to turn basic research into entrepreneurial gold, argues Peter Fiske.

Too many young physicists embark on projects without knowing the risks. There is a better way, argues Abraham Loeb.

Challenging your own ideas and opinions takes more than just a change of scenery, says Andrew Peterman.

Balancing a career and the obligations of a full-time job can be deceptively difficult, says Gaston Small.

It is difficult to balance the benefits of collaboration and competition, argues Lydia Murray.

Mastering scientific protocols is only half the battle when it comes to conducting a clinical study in another country, says Andrew Fung.