In the Classroom in 2015

Drawing a clear and compelling figure is vital in science communication, so Karen Cheng and Marco Rolandi set up a help desk for scientists and engineers to consult with design students.

Philip S. Lukeman and Stefan Howorka provide a training programme to improve the interdisciplinary breadth and depth of a nanoscience research group.

The failures in our experimental research are necessary steps to obtain excellent results, says Francesco Carulli.

Developing soft skills can be an important part of a successful academic career. Elisa De Ranieri shares her views on how students can hone theirs.

Interacting with 3D-printed molecular models helps students to grasp insightful concepts on the kinetics and thermodynamics of molecular self-assembly, as Arthur J. Olson explains.

Your teachers and your colleagues have an essential role in helping you to determine your scientific interests and your way of doing research, says Giampaolo Pitruzzello.

Science competitions in secondary school can inspire students and teachers alike, as Eric Plum, now a lecturer, and his former teacher Walter Stein explain.

Hands-on challenges such as building a low-cost atomic force microscope for schools can teach more than standard lessons, says François Grey.

Working in large collaborations can help you understand how nanotechnology is closely related to other fields, explains Elizabeth Huynh.

When you have discovered something unusual, trust your instinct and pursue it with determination and enthusiasm, says Renren Deng.

Should inventors control the fate of their own inventions? In the US, most universities think not. But, as Emmanuel Dumont explains, the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech in New York City bets otherwise.

By participating in activities organized by professional societies, PhD students can enrich their skills and extend their professional network, beyond what they can achieve in the lab, Yi-Hsin Lin explains.